Whit is a difference between Invoices and Proposals?

Glossary

Not sure whether to send an invoice or a proposal? Learn the difference and see how Proposaly helps you manage both in one place.

If you run a business or freelance, you’ve likely sent both proposals and invoices – sometimes to the same client within days. Understanding when and how to use each document helps make communication clearer, keeps your workflow smooth, and speeds up payments.

What Is a Proposal?

A proposal is a sales document sent before a project begins. Its purpose is to convince a potential client to work with you.

What key elements should a price proposal include?

Project overview and goals
Suggested solution and deliverables
Pricing or packages – often with optional add‑ons
Timeline and milestones
Terms and conditions
Call to action – accept and sign

💡 Pro tip: With Proposaly you can send interactive proposals with e‑signature and instant acceptance tracking.

What Is an Invoice?

An invoice is a payment request sent after the client accepts your proposal or the work is completed. It’s a financial document rather than a sales one.

Your business and client details
Description of services provided
Quantities, rates, and total amount
Payment terms – due date, method, currency
Tax or VAT information if applicable

The purpose of an invoice is simple – to get paid and keep your records accurate.

Invoice vs Proposal: Key Differences

Feature	Proposal	Invoice
Purpose	Win new work	Request payment
Timing	Before project starts	After completion or approval
Tone	Persuasive, sales‑focused	Transactional, financial
Includes	Goals, scope, price options, CTA	Work details, totals, due dates
Client action	Accept or sign	Pay

When to Send Each Document

Send a proposal when:

You’re pitching to a new client
The scope or budget needs approval
You want to present a professional offer

Send an invoice when:

A proposal has been accepted
The work is underway or finished
You’re ready to collect payment

Why You Should Connect Proposals and Invoices

Creating a proposal in one tool and an invoice in another wastes time and increases errors. Modern tools like Proposaly bring everything together:

Create a proposal and have it accepted with e‑signature
Generate an invoice directly from the approved project
Track every step – from acceptance to payment
Provide clients with a consistent branded experience

Explore how Proposaly connects proposals and invoices

Proposal + Invoice = One Seamless Flow

When proposals and invoices live in the same system, you eliminate manual data entry, send accurate invoices faster, and look more professional doing it. Clients appreciate a unified, friction‑free experience.

Now that you know the difference between proposals and invoices, it’s time to master the art of creating proposals that win clients. Read our next guide — How to Build Killer Business Proposals That Actually Close Deals.

Win More Clients with Proposaly –

Smart proposals, simplified.

Start Winning

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