A pro forma invoice sample is a preliminary billing document that outlines the goods or services provided, along with their associated costs, before the actual invoice is issued. For instance, a construction company might issue a pro forma invoice to a client detailing the estimated materials and labor costs for a project.
Pro forma invoices are valuable tools for businesses as they provide transparency, set expectations, and allow for early payment. Historically, they originated in international trade to provide a non-binding agreement between parties, ensuring both understood the terms of the transaction.