How to Invoice for Partial Delivery
When you have delivered part of an order, you can usually invoice for that part now. Show what is done, what is outstanding, and what is still to come — so the client pays for value received.
In this answer
- Invoice for delivered items without waiting for the full order
- Show clearly what has shipped and what is back-ordered
- Track the running balance against the total order
- Reference the order or quote on every partial invoice
- Keep GST and numbering clean across staged invoices
6 min
Bill for value received, not the whole order
If you have delivered part of an order — half the units, the first phase, the items that were in stock — you can usually invoice for that portion now rather than waiting for everything. This keeps cash flowing and reflects the value the client has actually received.
The key is to make it obvious this is a partial invoice. Label it as such, and reference the full order so the client understands they are being billed for a slice, not the whole thing. Done well, partial invoicing feels fair to both sides: you get paid for what you delivered, and the client only pays for what arrived.
Show delivered versus outstanding
A good partial invoice answers two questions: what am I paying for now, and what is still coming? Make both visible.
- Items delivered this shipment, with quantities and prices
- The total this partial invoice covers
- A note of what remains outstanding on the order
For example: 'Delivered: 60 of 100 units' followed by 'Remaining 40 units to be invoiced on delivery'. The client can reconcile against their order and is not surprised when a second invoice follows.
Track the running balance against the order
Across several partial invoices, the client needs to see how the order is progressing financially. The cleanest approach references the total order value and shows how much has been invoiced to date, so nobody loses the thread.
You might note: 'Order total: $10,000 — Previously invoiced: $4,000 — This invoice: $3,000 — Remaining: $3,000'. That running tally turns a series of partial invoices into a coherent story. It also protects you: if a query arises, the math is already on the page rather than something both sides have to reconstruct.
What to include on a partial invoice
Your partial-delivery checklist:
- 'Tax Invoice' (GST if registered), a unique number and 'partial' clearly noted
- Your business name and ABN
- Client name and the order or quote reference
- Items delivered this stage, with quantities and prices
- What remains outstanding on the order
- A running tally against the total order value
- Subtotal, GST and total due for this stage
- Payment details and a due date
Keep numbering sequential across all the partial invoices for one order. Build a reusable layout with the free Invoice Generator so every stage looks consistent.
Key takeaways
- Invoice for delivered items rather than waiting for the full order
- Label partial invoices clearly and reference the whole order
- Show what is delivered now and what remains outstanding
- Keep a running tally against the total order value
- Number partial invoices sequentially so the order reconciles
Frequently asked questions
Can I invoice before the whole order is delivered?
Usually yes, if you and the client agreed that staged or partial billing is acceptable. Label the invoice as partial and reference the full order so it is clear more invoices will follow.
How do I handle GST on a partial invoice?
If you are registered, GST generally applies to the value of the supply made in that stage. Charge it on the partial amount, not the whole order. This is general information — confirm timing with your accountant.
What if the rest of the order is cancelled?
You keep payment for what you delivered and invoiced. The undelivered portion simply is not billed. Reference your terms for any cancellation costs on goods already committed.
Build a compliant invoice in minutes
Use the free Invoice Generator, then let Merion recover anything that goes unpaid — commission-only.