Delivery Note vs Invoice: Differences & Examples
Compare a delivery note and an invoice using one fictional order. See quantities, prices, document references and how to record a partial delivery.
A delivery note records the goods handed over; an invoice states what the buyer is being charged. A delivery signature does not by itself confirm payment, and an invoice does not by itself confirm delivery. Connect both records to the same order so quantities and charges can be checked.
Delivery note and invoice compared
These are common operational uses. Required fields and the legal effect of a document depend on the transaction and jurisdiction.
| Question | Delivery note | Invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Record goods supplied or handed over | State charges and payment information |
| Useful details | Items, quantities, delivery date, condition and recipient notes | Items, quantities, prices, totals and payment terms |
| Prices | Often omitted when only fulfillment details are needed | Included so the buyer can check the charge |
| Payment status | Does not establish payment | Should show any payments or remaining balance accurately |
| Connected references | Order number and delivery-note number | Order number, invoice number and delivery-note reference |
Matched examples for one order
This separate no-discount example uses fictional order PO-2048, which is for 12 storage boxes at USD 8 each. All 12 arrive on September 7. The parties agreed a September 21 payment deadline. Taxes and shipping are excluded from this simplified example; these summaries are not complete tax documents.
| Field | Delivery note DN-2048 | Invoice INV-2048 |
|---|---|---|
| Order reference | PO-2048 | PO-2048 |
| Seller / buyer | Example Supply / Sample Studio | Example Supply / Sample Studio |
| Issue date | September 7, 2026 | September 7, 2026 |
| Goods | 12 storage boxes delivered | 12 storage boxes × USD 8 |
| Total / amount due | No price shown | USD 96 / USD 96 |
| Delivery record | Recipient checks quantity and notes any damage | References DN-2048 |
| Payment | No payment confirmation | Due September 21, 2026; quote INV-2048 when paying |
What if only 10 of the 12 boxes arrive?
The delivery note should record 10 boxes actually delivered and identify the 2 outstanding boxes. Do not mark all 12 as received just to match the order. If the parties bill each shipment separately, the first invoice in this example is 10 × USD 8 = USD 80; the remaining 2 boxes represent USD 16.
If the agreement bills the whole order in advance or uses another schedule, the invoice can differ from that first delivery. Explain the difference and reference the outstanding shipment. Resolve shortages, damage or disputed quantities before treating the records as matched.
Check the order, delivery and bill together
Match the order reference, item descriptions, units and quantities. Then compare invoiced unit prices with the agreed price and confirm how partial deliveries are billed. Keep any receipt of payment linked to the invoice so fulfillment and payment remain separate, traceable events.
This guide provides general educational information and is not legal, accounting, tax or financial advice. Requirements vary by country, industry and transaction. See how Docuivo tests its tools and calculations.