Understand the documents behind everyday business.
Learn when and how to use invoices, quotations, delivery notes and receipts, what each document should contain, and how they work together.
Core guides and useful comparisons
Choose a topic below. Each guide is written as practical general information for small businesses and independent professionals.
What is an invoice and what should it include?
An invoice is a business document requesting payment for goods or services supplied. It records what was sold, the amount due and the payment details.
Read guide →CORE GUIDEWhat is a quotation and when should you use one?
A quotation presents proposed prices, products or services and commercial terms before a sale or job is confirmed.
Read guide →CORE GUIDEWhat is a delivery note?
A delivery note accompanies or records a delivery and identifies the goods or items supplied to the recipient.
Read guide →CORE GUIDEWhat is a receipt and when should you issue one?
A receipt records that money has been received. It gives the payer and the business a clear record of the payment.
Read guide →COMPARISONInvoice vs quotation: what is the difference?
A quotation usually comes before a confirmed sale and proposes prices and terms. An invoice records a charge and requests payment after an order, supply or agreed billing event.
Read guide →COMPARISONInvoice vs receipt: before payment and after payment
An invoice shows an amount being charged or due. A receipt confirms that a payment has been received.
Read guide →COMPARISONDelivery note vs invoice: delivery record or payment record?
A delivery note records the goods or items delivered. An invoice records the commercial charge and amount due.
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