A proforma invoice in Word format is an informative document issued before the final invoice. It acts as a preliminary invoice used to request advance payment. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, you might send a proforma invoice to a client requesting an advance on an article you’re working on.
Proforma invoices are useful because they establish clear payment terms, prevent misunderstandings, and can help avoid late payments. Historically, proforma invoices were used in international trade, but their use has become more widespread in recent years.