The difference in one line
A delivery note records the goods; an invoice records the money.
| Feature | Delivery note | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms what was delivered | Requests payment |
| Shows prices | Usually not | Yes, with tax and total |
| Signed | By the receiver on delivery | No |
| Goes to | Whoever takes delivery | Accounts payable |
| Due date | No | Yes |
| Create it | Delivery note generator | Free invoice creator |
Why send both
A business customer’s accounts team matches three documents before paying: the purchase order, the delivery note and the invoice. If the signed delivery note shows 18 units and the invoice bills 18 units against PO-88213, the invoice is approved without a phone call. Send the invoice without a delivery note and it waits until someone confirms the goods arrived.
Reference each other
Put the order or invoice number on the delivery note and the delivery note number on the invoice.
What goes on each
| Field | Delivery note | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Number and date | DN- series, dispatch date | INV- series, invoice date and due date |
| Parties | Supplier and delivery address | Supplier and billing address |
| Items | Description and quantity | Description, quantity, unit price, amount |
| Money | None, usually | Subtotal, tax, total, payment terms |
| Signature | Receiver signs on delivery | None |
| Cross-reference | Order and invoice number | Delivery note number |
Timing: which goes first
For goods, the delivery note travels with the consignment and the invoice follows once delivery is confirmed — the same day for a trusted customer, or after the signed note comes back for a new one. For services there is no delivery note; a signed job sheet or completion report plays the same role and the invoice quotes it. Where a customer pays on delivery, both documents go together and a receipt is issued for the payment.
Common mistakes
- Printing prices on the delivery note. The driver, the warehouse and whoever signs at the door do not need your margins.
- Invoicing before delivery is confirmed. A disputed delivery becomes a disputed invoice; wait for the signed note, or invoice with the note number quoted.
- One document doing both jobs. A “delivery invoice” gets signed by someone who cannot approve payment and filed by someone who never saw the goods.
What about a receipt?
A receipt confirms the invoice was paid. Delivery note, invoice, receipt: goods arrived, money asked for, money received. See invoice vs receipt.
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Questions
Can a delivery note be used as an invoice?
No. It has no prices, tax or due date. Send an invoice for payment.
Should a delivery note show prices?
Normally not. The driver and the receiving warehouse do not need to see your commercial terms.
Do I need a delivery note for a service?
No. Delivery notes are for physical goods; for services, the invoice itself describes what was done.
Keep reading
Make the document: invoice creator · receipt maker · quotation maker · waybill maker · Word templates