Asked by: Annabel Labadie | Last update: August 4, 2026 Score: 4.3/5
(70 votes)
Politely chasing an overdue invoice involves a structured, professional approach, starting with a gentle, friendly reminder via email on the day after the due date, then progressing to phone calls, and, if necessary, stricter, formal warnings. Maintain a positive tone, assume the delay was a simple oversight, and provide clear details about the payment owed.
How to chase up overdue invoices?
What to do when you haven't been paid
1 Review the terms of your contract. If you have a written contract, the first thing to do is to read it carefully. ...
2 Send a reminder. ...
3 Send a letter of demand. ...
4 Get help with dispute resolution. ...
5 Use a debt collection agency. ...
6 Take legal action.
How do you politely follow up an unpaid invoice?
Craft a polite email or phone call reminding your client about the outstanding invoice. Be sure to include clear details like the invoice number. Make it easy for them to settle the bill by mentioning your available payment methods, such as online portals, mail-in checks, or credit card payments via a phone call.
How to politely ask for an unpaid invoice?
Email template 7: Invoice overdue
I wanted to politely remind you about Invoice [Invoice Number], which is currently [Number of Days] days overdue. The original invoice was sent on [Date] and the due date was [Due Date]. The total outstanding amount is [Amount Due].
How to professionally chase an invoice?
Practical steps to chase an invoice politely
Start with a gentle reminder. As soon as an invoice becomes overdue, send a polite reminder. ...
Use clear but professional language. ...
Pick up the phone. ...
Offer flexible options. ...
Escalate politely if needed.
How To Ask for Payments Politely Over The Phone
25 related questions found
How do I politely remind someone to pay their invoice?
How Do You Write a Friendly Payment Reminder?
Start with a Friendly Greeting: “Hi [Client's Name], I hope this finds you well.”
State the Purpose Clearly: “I just wanted to send a quick reminder about Invoice #12345, which was due on [due date].”
Offer Assistance: ...
Close Positively:
What to say when an invoice is overdue?
Dear [customer name], This is a reminder that invoice [number] is now [X] days overdue and beyond the set payment terms. Please arrange the payment as soon as possible to avoid escalation. If you're having any difficulties paying, let me know and we can discuss a solution.
How to professionally tell someone to pay their bill?
I'm reaching out to you to remind you that your payment of [payment total] for invoice [invoice number] with us is [number of days] overdue. According to our records, you should've received the invoice I'm referring to in the mail on July 5, 2022. This is a courtesy reminder and we understand that you're busy.
How to ask for overdue payment politely?
Be polite but clear (days 7-30)
"Hi [Name], I'd appreciate your prompt attention to this overdue payment. Please confirm when we can expect the transfer for invoice [#1234], due on [date]." Avoid frustration in your tone; keep it factual and professional.
How to follow up overdue payment?
What should I include in every payment reminder email?
Invoice number for easy reference.
Due date (or how many days overdue).
Payment amount including any late fees.
Direct payment link or clear payment instructions.
Your contact information for questions.
Professional signature with your business details.
What to do if a customer refuses to pay an invoice?
What to do if a customer doesn't pay
Follow up immediately. ...
Call them or schedule a meeting. ...
Send a debt collection letter. ...
Hire a collection agency. ...
Consider letting it go. ...
Research your new prospects. ...
Be clear with your payment policies. ...
Send invoices immediately and schedule reminders.
How long is it reasonable to wait for an invoice?
What is the correct time to issue an invoice? Put simply, you should issue the invoice as soon as the service is completed or the product is delivered. The sooner you issue the invoice, the more likely it will be on the customer's mind, and the quicker they'll pay the amount due.
How to write a chasing payment email?
Tips for writing an effective payment reminder email
Include the invoice number and due date in the email subject line. ...
Reattach the original invoice to your payment reminder message. ...
Keep the copy short and professional, but with a friendly tone. ...
Include ways to pay and what the payment terms are.
How often should I chase an unpaid invoice?
If the invoice does become overdue, a good rule of thumb is to remind the customer of the day on which payment is due, and every 10 days after that. However, it's always a good idea to set your reminder schedule based on your customer's payment behavior.
How to deal with someone not paying an invoice?
Steps you can take to get paid
Contact the client. ...
Send an unpaid invoice notification. ...
Start charging interest. ...
Arrange a payment plan. ...
Issue a final reminder. ...
Use a mediator to settle the unpaid invoice. ...
Issue a statutory demand. ...
Make a court claim.
How to politely follow up on an unpaid invoice?
Be courteous and professional: Always start your communications with a polite greeting and an expression of gratitude for the business relationship. Clearly explain the situation: Specify the details of the unpaid invoice, including the past due date, and politely request an update on the payment status.
How to ask a customer to pay a past due invoice?
Email subject: Invoice #123 is two weeks overdue
We have now reminded you several times of your payment for Invoice #123, at the amount of $____. This is just another reminder that your payment is now two weeks overdue. Please send us a response if you received these reminders, or if you lost your invoice.
How to write a letter chasing payment?
Writing a warning letter chasing late payment
Your company name and address.
Your customer's name and address.
Invoice number.
Total amount owed.
Payment date and days overdue.
Explain that payment terms have been breached.
Payment details.
Your contact information.
How to politely but firmly ask for payment?
How to ask someone to pay you for work
Avoid letting too much time pass from the payment due date. ...
Set up an emailing schedule. ...
Send polite reminders before the due date. ...
Send a polite but direct email on the due date. ...
Firmly remind them when your invoice is overdue. ...
Call them if they still don't pay you.
How do I prompt someone to pay an invoice?
Don't panic when the due date passes.
Try to write a friendly, non-threatening payment request email subject line.
Always attach a copy of the overdue invoice.
Politely remind clients of the payment terms.
Add your bank account or payment provider information to your payment request.
How can I handle late payments professionally?
How To Handle Late Payments
Send Friendly Reminders. A gentle reminder shortly after a missed payment can prompt clients to act without feeling pressured. ...
Follow Up with a Phone Call. ...
Send a Formal Past-Due Notice. ...
Consider Late Fees. ...
Offer Payment Solutions.
What phrases encourage prompt payment?
These can help more customers pay on time. Hi [Name]. A friendly reminder that your payment of [Amount] for [Service] is due on [Date]. Please pay on or before that date to avoid any late fees.
How to chase an overdue invoice?
If you have an unpaid invoice, here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the situation:
Check the Payment Terms. ...
Send a Polite Reminder. ...
Contact the Client Directly. ...
Resend the Invoice. ...
Charge Late Fees. ...
Set Up a Payment Plan. ...
Issue a Final Demand Letter. ...
Consider Legal Action or a Collection Agency.
How to follow up overdue invoices?
Start with a usual greeting and then remind them of the unpaid invoice, including the specific invoice number, due date, and amount owed. Politely ask when you can expect payment and offer a brief reminder of your payment terms.
What is a polite way to send a payment reminder?
Be direct and polite
Avoid vague or overly formal language when sending a gentle reminder. Instead, get straight to the point in a courteous manner. For example, saying, “We noticed Invoice #3568 is overdue. Kindly arrange payment at your earliest convenience,” communicates urgency without sounding confrontational.