When an invoice is overdue, send a polite but firm, direct email that includes the invoice number, amount, and original due date. Re-attach the invoice to prevent delays, and ask them to confirm receipt of the message or to contact you if they have questions.
Our records show that [account number] is overdue. The balance due is [amount], and an invoice is attached. I appreciate you giving this your immediate attention. If the payment has already been sent, please disregard this notice.
How Do You Write a Friendly Payment Reminder?
How to chase late payments
Aim for a clear and polite tone. Include your branding and the invoice number so it's easy for your client to identify. In a payment reminder email, it's important to be clear and courteous. Mention the overdue balance, invoice number, and due date clearly while being respectful.
If you're wondering how to request payments, payment reminder emails are the best way to do so. Based on our firsthand experience, a phone call or request for payment via text message are options, but will likely annoy your customer.
Send a friendly nudge before the invoice due date, then follow up with firmer messages if the payment becomes overdue. Include key details to get faster payments by listing the invoice number, payment link, and your business name in the subject line so clients can act quickly and avoid confusion.
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.
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.
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.
After 30 days, generally, the late payment will appear on your credit report. Late payments generally stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the missed payment, though the older a late payment is, the less of an impact it typically has on your credit score.
Tips for writing an effective payment reminder email
Examples of Overdue Payments in a sentence
If there are Overdue Payments outstanding for more than thirty (30) days, Modernizing Medicine reserves the right to suspend Users' access to the Software until such amounts are paid in full.
Issue a Final Demand Letter
If the invoice remains unpaid, a formal demand letter detailing the outstanding amount, deadline for payment, and potential consequences of non-payment may be necessary. This serves as an official notice before considering legal action.
What to do when you haven't been paid
The ideal follow-up template should be clear, concise, and actionable. Start with a polite greeting, state your purpose in a couple of lines, and end with a clear call-to-action that guides the client on what to do next. A short but compelling subject line – try to include part or all of your request if possible.
Start by sending a friendly email reminding them of the overdue invoice and asking when you can expect to receive payment. If you haven't received payment after a week or two, follow up again, and this time, send an updated invoice.
How To Handle Late Payments
Email reminders
Getting a Client to Pay an Invoice after Nonpayment
Ask for payment nicely over the phone
Gentle Reminder Message for Meeting / Appointment
I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to send a quick reminder about your upcoming appointment scheduled for [Date & Time]. If you have any questions or need to reschedule, please feel free to reach out. Looking forward to seeing you then!
How to chase unpaid invoices. If the invoice isn't paid on the due date, then it's worth a polite enquiry to the accounts department to check that they have all the correct paperwork and to resend anything missing. Ask when the overdue invoice will be paid.