Quote vs Invoice: What are the differences?
Quotes and invoices are two essential documents in business, but they have different roles. Learn when and how to use them.
Definitions and differences
Here are the main differences between a quote and an invoice:
Quote
- Commercial document before sale
- Does not legally bind the client
- Valid for a limited period
Invoice
- Accounting document after sale
- Binds the client to payment
- Mandatory for accounting
Comparison table
Detailed comparison between quote and invoice:
| Criterion | Quote | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Issue time | Before sale | After sale |
| Legal value | Commercial proposal | Payment obligation |
| Mandatory | No (except certain sectors) | Yes (legal requirement) |
Generate your documents
Easily create your quotes and invoices with our free generators: