How to chase an unpaid invoice without losing the client
A chasing schedule
- 3 days before due. A friendly heads-up with the invoice attached and a payment link.
- Due date. "Just a reminder this is due today."
- 7 days late. Ask whether they received it and if anything is holding it up.
- 14 days late. Firmer, plus a phone call. Ask for a payment date.
- 30 days late. Final reminder: the amount, the original due date and what happens next.
What to send at 7 days late
Hi Priya,
Invoice #1042 for £2,400 was due last Tuesday. I've attached it again in case it got lost.
Is anything holding it up on your side? If it's easier, you can pay by card here in a minute.
Thanks, Sam
Habits that get you paid faster
- Invoice the day the work is done. Speed sets expectations.
- Agree payment terms in writing before you start.
- Make paying one click with a payment link.
- Call. Two minutes on the phone often settles what five emails didn't.
If they still don't pay
In the UK, if no payment date was agreed, a business-to-business payment is late 30 days after the customer receives the invoice or after you deliver, whichever is later. You can then claim statutory interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, unless your contract sets a different rate, plus a fixed sum for recovery costs (GOV.UK).
In the US, late fees and interest depend on your contract and state law, so put them in the contract up front. For small amounts, small claims court is usually the last step.
FAQ
How do you politely chase an overdue invoice?
Start friendly and specific: the invoice number, the amount, the due date, a copy of the invoice and an easy way to pay. Ask whether anything is holding it up before getting firmer.
When is an invoice legally late in the UK?
If no payment date was agreed, 30 days after the customer receives the invoice or after you deliver the goods or service, whichever is later.
Can I charge interest on a late invoice?
In the UK, businesses can usually claim statutory interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate on late business-to-business payments, unless the contract says otherwise. In the US it depends on your contract and state law.
