A quote: before the work
A quote is a document a service business sends before the work begins, saying what it will deliver, for how much, and on what terms. Its purpose is to let the client decide: approve, ask for changes, or decline. Nothing is owed under it until the client approves.
It is also called an estimate or a proposal. Strictly, an estimate is a rough figure that may change, while a quote is a fixed price for a defined job, valid for a set time.
An invoice: after agreement or delivery
An invoice asks for payment of an amount that is due for work agreed or done, and says what must be paid and by when. In many countries invoices follow tax rules on what they must contain, such as a tax registration number, so check your country's rules before you issue one.
The differences at a glance
They can look alike; the difference is where each sits in the job:
- Timing: the quote comes before the work; the invoice after agreement or delivery.
- Purpose: the quote is for deciding; the invoice is for getting paid.
- Flexibility: a quote can be changed and negotiated; an invoice fixes an amount that is owed.
- Dates: a quote has an expiry date; an invoice has a due date.
From quote to invoice
The usual path: you send the quote, the client approves a specific version of it, you collect the deposit if one was agreed, and after delivery - or at each stage - you issue an invoice for the amount due.
Approving a specific version matters. If the quote changed after you sent it, it should be clear which version the client approved, so there is no argument later about the price or the items.
Where Naam fits
Naam is a quoting tool: it sends the quote as a link, records who approved it, when, and which version, and keeps track of the deposit and payment dates between you and your client - no money passes through it. Official invoices come from the invoicing system your country recognises.