Creating a Pro Forma invoice
Pro Forma invoices are used to validate an invoice with the client or a boss/manager before making the real invoice. It is a draft of the invoice and is useful in identifying any discrepancies before you make the final invoice.
Pro Forma invoices don't have an invoice number. Billings replaces the title of the invoice to say "Pro Forma Invoice." However, you can customize these aspects.
Keep in mind that a slip should not be a part of multiple Pro Forma invoices.
To create a Pro Forma invoice
- Select a slip(s).
- Choose Project > Send Invoice.
The Invoice window opens.
- Keep in mind the following:
- Click the Invoice tab to enter details. To create a Pro Forma invoice, choose Pro Forma Invoice from the pop-up menu next to the Invoice #. You can also pick a delivery option, and specify comments for the Pro Forma invoice.
- Click the Slips tab to see what slips of the project will be included as individual line items of the Pro Forma invoice. If you wish, you can re-order slips by drag and drop. Billings remembers the slip order you have set up when you send the actual invoice.
- Select a style from the style gallery. Note that styles with badge numbers indicate multiple available layouts for grouping data.
- Click the Preview tab to see the Pro Forma invoice. If you have selected a style with multiple layouts, you can select a layout from the Layout pop-up menu.
- To customize the invoice, click Options. For Pro Forma invoices, you can customize the header text and invoice number text, if necessary. Select other settings as needed and click OK.
- When you are ready to send the Pro Forma invoice, click Create Pro Forma.
Billings creates the Pro Forma invoice and takes you to the Account view where you can see it.
At this point, you can validate the Pro Forma invoice with the concerned person. If there is any discrepancy, you can edit the Pro Forma invoice and validate it again. Otherwise, you can create the final invoice and send it to the client.
To edit a Pro Forma invoice
- In the Account view, select a Pro Forma invoice.
- Double-click to open the Pro Forma invoice.
- Click the Invoice tab. Under Details, choose "Pro Forma Invoice" from the pop-up menu next to the Invoice #.
- Make the necessary changes.
- When done, click Create Pro Forma.
To send the final invoice
- In the Account view, select a Pro Forma Invoice.
- Double-click to open the Pro Forma Invoice.
- Enter any other information as needed.
- Click Create Invoice.
Note: Terms change to "Specific Date" when you edit a Pro Forma invoice or when you want to make it a real invoice. Once you have sent the real invoice, you can delete the Pro Forma invoice.