How to Chase Unpaid Invoices
Professional strategies for chasing unpaid invoices without damaging customer relationships.
Start with a friendly reminder
Most late payments are administrative oversights, not deliberate. Start with a friendly email reminding the customer that the invoice is overdue and asking if they need any help processing it.
Keep the tone helpful rather than accusatory. A simple "Just checking in on invoice #2026-001 which was due on 15 March — please let me know if you need anything from me to process the payment" is usually enough.
Escalate gradually
If the first reminder does not work, wait a few days and send a firmer follow-up. Reference the original invoice and the previous reminder. Include a new copy of the invoice in case it was lost.
If payment is still not received after multiple reminders, send a formal letter stating your intention to charge statutory interest and, if necessary, pursue the debt through legal channels.
Use automated reminders
Digital invoicing software can send automated reminders based on the due date. You set up a sequence — for example, a reminder 3 days before, on the due date, 7 days after and 14 days after — and the system sends them automatically.
This saves you from having to remember to chase each invoice and ensures a consistent follow-up process. Most businesses see a significant reduction in late payments after setting up automated reminders.
Automate your invoice chasing
Set up reminder sequences once and let the system follow up automatically.
Start Tracking Your Mileage Free