How to chase unpaid invoices (without losing the customer)
To chase an unpaid invoice, send a friendly reminder with a pay link on the due date, a nudge a few days later, a firmer message around ten days overdue and a final reminder around three weeks. Get a firm date when they reply, follow up the day after it, and stop and talk if they dispute it.
1. Make it easy to pay before it's due
Put clear payment terms, your bank details and a pay link on every invoice. A short heads up a few days before the due date catches the people who'd simply forget.
2. Remind on the due date
Keep it short and friendly. Include the invoice number, amount and a link. Example: "Hi Jess, just a reminder invoice 2231 for $2,140 is due today. You can pay here: [link]. Thanks!"
3. Nudge a few days later, by text
Emails get buried. A text a few days after the due date is usually read within minutes. Stay friendly. Most late payers just forgot.
4. Get a date, then hold them to it
When someone replies with an excuse, ask for a specific date. Write it down. Check the day after. If it hasn't arrived, follow up straight away and politely mention the date they gave.
5. Go firmer, then hand over
Around ten days overdue, be clearer: the invoice is overdue and you need it paid by a date. Around three weeks, send a final reminder. After that, it's time for a phone call, a formal letter of demand or advice on your options.
6. Stop if there's a dispute
If the customer questions the work or amount, stop the reminders and talk to them. Chasing harder on a disputed invoice rarely ends well.
Or let someone do it for you
Churnproof follows exactly this process automatically, by SMS and email, handles the replies, and texts you updates.
Sources
Last checked 6 November 2026.
Questions people ask
- When should I follow up an unpaid invoice?
- Send a friendly reminder on the due date, a nudge a few days later, a firmer message around ten days overdue and a final reminder around three weeks.
- Is a text or an email better?
- Use both. Emails get buried, while a text is usually read within minutes.