A quote is a proposed price sent before the work, an invoice is a request for payment sent when payment is due, and a receipt is proof of payment given after the money has changed hands. They often list the same items; what differs is timing and purpose. You can make all three with the generators here, quote, invoice and receipt.
Here is each one in turn.
The quote (or estimate)
A quote sets out what you would charge for a job before you start. It lets the client decide whether to go ahead and protects you from doing work without an agreed price. A quote usually carries a “valid until” date, because your costs can change over time. An estimate is the looser cousin: a best guess that may move as the job becomes clearer.
See how to write a quote for what to include.
The invoice
An invoice is a formal request for payment. It is sent once the work is done, or at an agreed billing point, and it tells the client exactly what they owe, by when, and how to pay. It carries a unique invoice number so both sides can track it. This is the document most likely to be needed for tax and bookkeeping.
The receipt
A receipt confirms that a payment has been received. It is the client’s proof that they have paid, and your record that the money came in. A receipt shows the date of payment, what it was for, the amount, and often the payment method. For cash or bank-transfer payments, where there is no card slip, a receipt is especially useful.
How they connect
For a typical job, the three line up like this:
| Stage | Document | Says |
|---|---|---|
| Before the work | Quote | ”Here’s the price, shall we go ahead?” |
| Payment is due | Invoice | ”Please pay this amount by this date.” |
| After payment | Receipt | ”Thank you, payment received.” |
Not every job needs all three. A quick sale might only need a receipt; a retainer might skip the quote. But knowing what each one is for keeps your paperwork clear and your client confident. Start with whichever you need: quote, invoice or receipt.