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How to Create Proforma Invoice

Complete guide to creating proforma invoices for export, customs, and advance payments

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6-Step Process

1

Open Billmator & Select "Proforma Invoice"

Tap "Proforma Invoice" button. Important: This is NOT a final tax invoice. It's a preliminary document sent BEFORE the actual sale.

When to Use: Export orders, advance payment requests, customs documentation, bank LC opening, trade finance applications.

2

Add Customer Details (Domestic or International)

For domestic: Business name, GSTIN, address. For export: Company name, full address with country, contact details.

Domestic Customer:

ABC Industries, GSTIN: 27XXXXX, Mumbai, India

Export Customer:

XYZ Trading LLC, Dubai, UAE (No GSTIN needed for export)

3

Add Items with Export Details

For each item, add: Description, Quantity, Unit Price. For exports, also add: HS Code, Country of Origin.

Example Export Item:

Item: Cotton Bed Sheets

Quantity: 500 pieces

Unit Price: $12 per piece (USD)

HS Code: 6302.21.00

Country of Origin: India

Total: $6,000 USD

4

Set Export Terms & Shipping Details

Add shipping terms (FOB/CIF/EXW), port of loading, port of discharge, expected shipping date.

Example: FOB Mumbai Port | Shipping to Dubai Port | Expected Ship Date: 15-Jan-2025

5

Add Payment Terms & Advance Request

Specify: Payment method (Bank transfer, LC), Advance required (30%, 50%, 100%), Payment deadline.

Advance Payment:

50% advance via wire transfer. Balance before shipment.

Letter of Credit:

Irrevocable LC at sight. Valid for 90 days.

6

Generate PDF & Send (Later Convert to Final Invoice)

Generate proforma PDF with clear "PROFORMA" watermark. Send to customer. After payment/shipment, convert to final tax invoice!

After Customer Approves: Tap "Convert to Final Invoice" → Proforma becomes official tax invoice → Recorded in books!

Common Scenarios

Export to Dubai

Create proforma in USD. Customer opens LC at bank using proforma. After LC confirmed, ship goods. Convert proforma to final export invoice.

50% Advance Payment

Send proforma for ₹10L order requesting 50% advance. Customer pays ₹5L. Manufacture goods. Ship. Convert proforma to final invoice showing ₹5L paid + ₹5L due.

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