Invoice vs Receipt

When to send an invoice

Send an invoice when payment is still outstanding. This includes after completing work, shipping goods, or reaching a billing milestone. The invoice tells the customer how much to pay and by when.

When to send a receipt

Send a receipt after payment is received. Receipts show the amount paid, date of payment, and what it was for. They help customers with expense claims and give you proof of settlement.

Can you send both?

Yes. Many businesses send an invoice first, then a receipt or paid stamp after payment clears. Some retail businesses only issue receipts at point of sale because payment happens immediately.

How to create your invoice

1. 1. Add business details

   Enter your company name, address, and logo. These appear at the top of the invoice.

2. 2. Add customer and line items

   Describe what you sold or the invoice vs receipt services provided. Include quantity, rate, and tax where applicable.

3. 3. Download your PDF

   Review the preview, then download a print-ready PDF to email or send to your customer.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing invoice number or date, which makes tracking payments harder.
• Unclear line item descriptions that do not match what the customer expected.
• Forgetting payment terms or bank details, which delays payment.
• Incorrect tax treatment for your customer location or service type.