What to Say When Chasing an Unpaid Invoice
Asking for money you're owed shouldn't feel awkward, but it often does. These messages keep things professional and firm while protecting the relationship.
Use these when
- An invoice is past due
- Payment terms were missed without explanation
- You've already sent one reminder
- A long-term client is late again
Skip these if
- Don't apologize for asking to be paid
- Don't threaten legal action on a first reminder
- Don't let it go unaddressed for weeks
15 replies to choose from
Hi [Name], just a friendly reminder that invoice #[number] was due on [date]. Let me know if you need me to resend it.
Clean, standard first reminder.
Hope all's well! Wanted to flag that this invoice is now a few days past due — appreciate you taking a look when you can.
Keeps tone warm while stating the facts.
Hey! Just checking you got the invoice okay — let me know if anything's unclear on my end.
Assumes good faith, low pressure.
Following up on the outstanding invoice — I'll need this settled by [date] to keep things on schedule.
Sets a clear expectation.
Hey, quick one — did that invoice go through okay? Just want to make sure it didn't get lost.
Easygoing tone for regular clients.
Reminder: invoice #[number] is past due.
No-frills, gets straight to it.
This invoice is now 30 days overdue. Please remit payment immediately to avoid further action.
Reserve for repeated non-payment.
Sorry to send another reminder — just want to make sure this didn't slip through with everything going on.
Good for clients you value and trust.
I'll need payment before I can start on the next round of work.
Direct boundary-setting for repeat late payers.
Your invoice is feeling a little lonely in my inbox — mind giving it some attention?
Light touch for a client with a good relationship.
Per our agreement, a late fee applies after [date]. Let me know if you'd like to settle before then.
References contract terms clearly.
Just a gentle nudge that this is still outstanding — happy to answer any questions about the invoice.
Invites conversation if there's an issue.
I need this cleared up before we move forward on anything new.
Ties payment to future work.
Please treat this as final notice before this is sent to collections.
Last resort for seriously overdue accounts.
Any update on the invoice from last week?
Quick nudge, easy to reply to.
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How soon should I send a payment reminder?
- A day or two after the due date is fine — waiting too long makes it harder to collect.
- What if they still don't pay after reminders?
- State a clear next step, like late fees or pausing work, and follow through if needed.
- Should I charge a late fee?
- Only if it's in your contract — mention it plainly rather than as a threat.
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