Get paid without the awkward phone callInvoice & Late Payment Language

INVOICE TERMS (put this on every invoice)

Payment is due within 15 days of the invoice date.
Pay within 5 days and take 2% off the total.
Balances past due accrue 1.5% per month on the outstanding amount.
Questions about this invoice? give us a call before the due date and we will get it sorted.


REMINDER 1 — three days before it is due (friendly, automatic)

Hi [Name], quick heads up that invoice #[number] for [amount] is due on [date]. Here is the link to pay: [link]. Thanks again for the business. - [Your Business]


REMINDER 2 — the day after it is due (still friendly)

Hi [Name], invoice #[number] for [amount] came due yesterday. It happens, no problem. Here is the payment link: [link]. If something is holding it up, just tell me and we will work it out. - [Your Business]


REMINDER 3 — day 10 past due (direct, still not hostile)

[Name], following up on invoice #[number] for [amount], now 10 days past due. A 1.5% service charge applies to balances past due. Pay here: [link]. If you need a payment plan, give us a call today and we will set one up. I would rather work with you than send this anywhere else.


REMINDER 4 — day 30 (last one before it escalates)

[Name], invoice #[number] for [amount] is 30 days past due and I have not heard back. I need this resolved this week. Pay here: [link], or give us a call today to arrange terms. If I do not hear from you, I will have to send this to collections, and neither of us wants that.


WHAT ACTUALLY FIXES THIS
- Take a deposit before the work starts.
- Keep a card on file and charge it on completion.
- Send the invoice the same day, not on Friday afternoon.
- Automate all four reminders. Never send them by hand, you will not do it.