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Estimate vs. invoice: what is the difference?
An estimate is the price you propose before the job. An invoice is the bill you send after the job (or for a deposit) so the client pays you. They look alike, but they do different work.
The estimate
- It describes the work, the quantities and the price before you start. The client accepts it (a signature line helps) and that acceptance is your agreement on scope and price.
- Give it a validity date: material and labor prices move, and an estimate from months ago should not bind you.
The invoice
- It asks for payment for work done, or for a deposit before starting. It carries a number, an issue date, a due date and how to pay.
- Once the client pays, mark it paid. Your records should show what is paid, what is sent and what is overdue.
From estimate to invoice
Do not retype. In Kobrado an accepted estimate becomes an invoice with one tap: same lines, same prices, new number and dates. If the scope changed on site, edit the lines before sending.
Questions
Can an estimate and an invoice share the same number?
They are different documents, so they get their own numbering. Kobrado numbers estimates and invoices separately.
Do I need to send an estimate for small jobs?
For a quick, low-risk job many trades go straight to the invoice. For anything the client might dispute, an accepted estimate first saves arguments later.
Kobrado does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You set your own tax rates.