A preliminary invoice issued by the exporter prior to the sale or shipment of goods, informing the buyer of the price, type and quantity of goods to be shipped and other important specifications (weight, dimensions, etc.). The pro forma invoice does not only function as a contractual offer (which can be accepted by the buyer by sending an order), but tends to be a model invoice that is eventually used in the actual transaction, i.e. the buyer cannot be surprised about the goods or their price. Importers may need a pro forma invoice to process an application for an import licence or for an exchange of money. In the case of a letter of credit, the pro forma invoice is often used to inform the importer of the amount for which the letter of credit is to be issued (opened).