Outstanding Payment Script

So you have a customer that STILL has an outstanding invoice? 

Here are some tips for writing an email to collect payment. 

• Be nice. You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.
• Be direct. Let them know they owe you money and they are late. 
• Be clear. Let them know the invoice number, amount and project/service the payment is connected to so that it is easier for them to pay without the back and forth!
• Make it easy for them to pay. A payment link is the easiest way. 
• Make sure you have a good collection process before you do the work. Be upfront about how and when payment is due. 
• If emails aren’t working you could always call them (We know that we all hate phone calls but sometimes they are the only way)

FIRST EMAIL: 

Be light, maybe they really did just forget

SUBJECT : Overdue Invoice

Hello ______,

We had such a great time working on your project! Just wanted to let you know that we still show an outstanding invoice for $X.XX for invoice number ____.

You can pay by clicking this link. 

If you have any questions feel free to reach out. 

Thanks so much! 

SECOND EMAIL:

Be straightforward and stern 

SUBJECT : RE: Overdue Invoice

Hello ______,

We still show an outstanding invoice for $X.XX for invoice number ____.

Please pay as soon as possible. 

You can pay by clicking this link. 

If you have any questions feel free to reach out. 

Thanks so much! 

THIRD EMAIL:

Okay, let them know you mean business. Give them a consequence if they don’t pay

SUBJECT : RE: FINAL Overdue Invoice

Hello ______,

We previously emailed you on _______ and ______ about your outstanding invoice for $X.XX for invoice number ____ for PROJECT.

You can pay by clicking this link. 

If we don’t receive payment within a timely matter, we will be forced to turn this over to collections or cease doing business with you

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. 

Thank you for your time,

Our top tip for avoiding this scenario in the future is to let the client know at the beginning of the process how you expect to be paid. A few options include:

1. You require full payment before you deliver any final files (think photos or logos)

2. You require full payment before your service date

3. You have the option to set up a payment plan if you will put a card on file