Every business has clients who pay late. Most are not refusing; the invoice got lost, or approval is stuck. A consistent follow-up routine gets you paid without awkward calls.
The ladder
- A few days before the due date: a friendly reminder with the invoice attached.
- Just past due: a short note asking whether anything is needed to process payment.
- Thirty days late: a firmer message with the amount, the original date and a specific date to pay by.
- Sixty days late: a phone call, then a written summary, and a pause on new work if your agreement allows.
- Ninety days late: a final written notice explaining the next step, such as a collection agency or small claims court.
Keep it professional
Stay factual and polite, keep a copy of every message, and never threaten anything you are not prepared or permitted to do. Collecting consumer debts is regulated, so talk to an attorney before collecting from individuals.
Our collections letter builder writes each step for you.
General information, not legal advice.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
