Proforma vs. commercial invoice
differences explained.
Start with the proposed transaction, then check the final goods and amounts before preparing the commercial invoice. Shared data saves typing, but it still needs review.
Open the document workspace ↗How the documents differ
A proforma supports discussion of the proposed sale before shipment; a commercial invoice records the goods sold and their transaction value. Confirm the format needed for the destination.
What to compare
- Document identity
- Use separate document numbers and identify whether the PDF is a proposal or a commercial invoice.
- Quantities and prices
- Recheck the agreed and actual goods rather than assuming the original offer is still accurate.
- Dates and references
- Check the proposal dates, final invoice date and buyer references in their respective views.
- Terms and charges
- Review payment terms, currency and applicable charges. Check bank details independently before payment.
A worked example
| Stage | Quantity | Unit price | Goods subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposed order | 200 bottles | $12.50 | $2,500.00 |
| Final agreed order | 180 bottles | $12.50 | $2,250.00 |
The difference is $250 before other charges. This example illustrates data review, not a rule about deposits or payment timing. In the trial, goods data is shared across document views: changing it also changes the proposal view. Save a PDF or workspace backup first if you need to retain the earlier version.
A workflow in Tradocket
- Prepare the proposal in Proforma Invoice, then save a PDF or JSON backup of the version sent to the buyer.
- Update shared goods and agreed terms when the order changes. Open Commercial Invoice and review its own number, dates and references.
- Preview the commercial invoice and cross-check the packing list before saving the final draft PDFs.
The free trial works in your browser. You can edit shared shipment data, review the live preview and use your browser’s print dialog to save a PDF. Save a JSON backup before changing computers or clearing browser data.
Before you send it
Changing a document heading alone does not finalize a transaction. Tradocket does not retain immutable invoice versions, collect payment or file customs declarations. Keep copies of issued documents and verify the final information.
Check destination and transaction requirements with your buyer or freight forwarder. For an official overview of document purposes, see Common Export Documents from the U.S. International Trade Administration.
Related documents and tools
The separate proforma and commercial invoice guides show the individual fields. Use the packing list to reconcile the actual shipment quantities.