Systematic follow-up.
WHY A PROCESS
Chasing when you remember means chasing late and inconsistently.
A SIMPLE SEQUENCE
A reminder a few days before the due date A polite reminder on the due date A firmer reminder a week later A final notice with stated consequences Escalation
THE REMINDER BEFORE THE DUE DATE
The most effective and least used.
Most late payment is oversight, not refusal.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN EVERY REMINDER
The invoice number The amount The original due date How to pay
Attach the invoice again.
TONE
Businesslike. Not apologetic, not aggressive.
You are asking for money you are owed.
WHAT TO TRACK
Which invoices are outstanding, and how long.
Review weekly.
WHEN TO ESCALATE
According to your process, not your mood.
WHAT TO AVOID
Chasing once and giving up Waiting months before the first reminder
