pro forma invoice

(also proforma invoice)

noun [C] (also pro forma) ACCOUNTING, COMMERCE

Definition

› an invoice, usually one sent to a new customer, asking for payment before goods or services are supplied: To ensure a swift delivery, please complete the details below and pass this pro forma invoice on to your Accounts Department.

› an invoice sent to a possible customer to give an example of prices charged: Large organisations may request a proforma invoice purely for their internal purchasing approval process.

(Definition of pro forma invoice noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)