Legal Definitions - invoice

An invoice is a formal document issued by a seller to a buyer, detailing the goods or services that have been provided. It serves as a request for payment and typically includes an itemized list of what was supplied, the quantity, the agreed-upon price for each item, the total amount due, and the payment terms (such as the due date or accepted payment methods).

• Example 1: Freelance Graphic Designer

  After completing a logo design project for a new startup, a freelance graphic designer sends the startup an invoice. This document lists "Logo Design Services" as the item, specifies the agreed-upon flat fee, includes the date the services were rendered, and states that payment is due within 30 days. This clearly illustrates an invoice as an itemized list of services provided by a seller (the designer) to a buyer (the startup), specifying the price and payment terms.

• Example 2: Office Supply Wholesaler

  A large corporation places an order with an office supply wholesaler for 50 reams of printer paper, 20 boxes of pens, and 10 toner cartridges. Once the order is shipped, the wholesaler issues an invoice to the corporation. The invoice itemizes each product, its quantity, the unit price, and the total cost for each item, along with the overall total. It also includes the payment due date and the wholesaler's bank details for electronic transfer. This example demonstrates an invoice detailing goods furnished by a seller to a buyer, complete with prices and terms of sale.

• Example 3: Home Renovation Contractor

  A homeowner hires a contractor to remodel their kitchen. After completing the demolition phase and installing new cabinetry, the contractor sends an invoice for the work completed to date, as per their contract's payment schedule. The invoice itemizes "Demolition Services," "Cabinet Installation Labor," and lists the cost of the installed cabinets separately. It also specifies the payment amount due for this phase and the deadline for payment. This shows an invoice providing an itemized list of both services (labor) and goods (cabinets) furnished by the contractor (seller) to the homeowner (buyer), along with the associated costs and payment terms.