Short answer
A quote is an offer sent before the work starts, telling a customer what a job will cost so they can agree to it. An invoice is a request for payment sent after the work is agreed or done. A quote isn't a bill; an invoice is.
A quote comes first
A quote, sometimes called an estimate, says: "Here's what this job will cost." The customer can accept it, negotiate, or say no. No money is owed yet.
A good quote includes what's covered, the price, how long the offer is valid, and any conditions, such as a deposit.
An invoice comes after agreement
Once the customer agrees, or once the work is done, you send an invoice. It says: "Here's what you owe, and here's how to pay." See how to write an invoice.
Why use both?
- A quote prevents surprises and disagreements about price.
- An invoice creates a clear record of what's owed, which helps you follow up if payment is late.
Turning a quote into an invoice
When a customer accepts, copy the quote's details into the invoice exactly, so nothing changes by accident.
Doing this in Gripd
In Gripd you can send a customer a quote and, once they say yes, convert it into an invoice in one tap, with every line item carried over.
Last updated 29 Sept 2026
Related questions
How do I follow up on an unpaid invoice?
Send a friendly reminder a day or two after the due date with the invoice attached, then follow up again after about a week if you haven't heard back, more directly and with a phone call if you can. Keep every message polite and factual, and note each follow-up. Most late payments are forgotten invoices, not refusals.
Read the full answerHow do I keep track of who owes me money?
Keep one list of every debt owed to you, with the person's name, the amount, what it's for, and when they said they'd pay. Update it the moment anyone pays, and check it weekly so you can follow up on anything overdue. Money you're owed but not tracking is money you're likely to lose.
Read the full answerHow do I write an invoice?
An invoice should include your name or business name, your customer's name, a unique invoice number, the date, a clear list of what you're charging for with prices, the total, the due date, and how to pay you. Send it as soon as the work is done, and keep a copy so you can track whether it's been paid.
Read the full answerHow much should I charge for my services?
Work backwards from what you need to earn: add up your monthly income goal and business costs, divide by the hours you can realistically bill, and that's your minimum hourly rate. Then check what others in your field charge and adjust for your experience and results. Many new freelancers undercharge by forgetting unpaid admin time, tools, and tax.
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