The difference is purpose and timing
A quotation explains the proposed work or products and their price before the order is approved. An invoice records the items and amount associated with a sale or service under the agreement. They may share names and prices, but answer different questions: ‘What are you offering?’ and ‘What are the details of this amount?’.
The legal effect of either document depends on its wording, the agreement and local rules. This comparison explains an everyday workflow, not legal enforceability or tax status.
A practical comparison
| Question | Quote | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| When is it useful? | Before scope and price are approved | To record the sale and agreed amount |
| What should the customer check? | Deliverables, inclusions and exclusions | Items, quantities, total and payment |
| What if the request changes? | Review and send a clear revised quote | Review the document and appropriate correction process |
| Does it affect Tijario stock? | No deduction or reservation | Saved product lines affect quantity |
Example: design work for a shop
A shop asks for five social posts. First send a quote stating the number of designs, whether copywriting is included, the price and the delivery arrangements. If the shop asks for two additional posts, review the quote before starting.
Once seven posts are agreed, prepare the invoice from the actual agreement. Do not copy the five-post proposal and assume it remains correct. Recheck the customer, quantity, price and any agreed payment arrangements.
Which document is needed now?
- Send a quote when the customer is comparing options or has not approved the scope.
- Use an invoice when the task is to record the items and amount under the agreement.
- Ask about quantity or scope first if the request is incomplete.
- Keep the approved quote for reference; a change in a conversation does not update the old document by itself.
Avoid a misleading shortcut
Do not simply change a heading from ‘quote’ to ‘invoice’ without reviewing the content. Also, do not promise stock based on an old quote: a quote is not a stock reservation. Check availability when the order becomes definite.
Product library artwork, not a real customer's records.