A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to a buyer before goods are shipped or services are provided.

It’s not a legal demand for payment but rather a document that outlines the seller’s commitment to provide goods or services at specified prices and terms.

Think of it as a detailed quotation that looks like an invoice, often used in international trade and business negotiations.

Key features of a proforma invoice:

Issued before delivery (unlike a commercial invoice, which is sent after).

Includes product descriptions, quantities, prices, shipping costs, and payment terms.

Used for customs clearance, import/export permits, and for buyers to arrange payment or financing.

Not legally binding for accounting — it doesn’t get recorded as accounts receivable or payable.

PFIM allow for the setup of repetitive invoices called RoutineBillings. The user set the Date and Reference and then select to invoice all selected invoices in the RoutineBillings list.