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Suppose that a computer parts manufacturer called Gary Components receives an order for 1,000 computer monitors. A proforma invoice can be issued to let the buyer know what exactly to expect from the seller. When is a proforma invoice issued?Ī proforma invoice is issued when a seller has discussed the preliminaries of a sale with the buyer but cannot proceed to send an official invoice since the final details of the deal aren’t confirmed by the buyer yet. The seller proceeds to send a sales invoice and starts working on their part of the deal-manufacturing the products or providing the service. After reviewing the proforma invoice, the buyer gives the green light to the seller. This invoice highlights the deliverables from the seller’s end such as the goods or services to be delivered, their prices, shipping information, and delivery date. What is a proforma invoice?Ī proforma invoice is a preliminary invoice that is sent to a buyer before a sale is confirmed. This article aims to explain the meaning of proforma invoices using examples, demonstrate their uses, and demystify the differences between a proforma invoice and an invoice. Although proforma invoices are widely used, it is easy to confuse them with regular invoices. Pro forma in Latin stands for ‘for the sake of form,’ implying that it is only a provisional document and will eventually be followed up with an official document. This document also acts as a tentative agreement and is called the proforma invoice.
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Once this negotiation is over, it is good practice for the business to send a preliminary draft of the invoice to the buyer showing the agreed-upon deliverables.
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Before shaking hands on a deal, businesses often negotiate about the terms of the deal such as the selling price, discounts, and delivery dates.
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