Asking for money owed.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE FIRST REMINDER
Confirm the invoice was received and is correct.
WHY
Disputes and lost invoices are common causes of non-payment.
WHAT THE FIRST REMINDER SHOULD BE
Brief, factual and friendly.
WHAT IT SHOULD CONTAIN
The invoice number and date The amount The due date A copy attached How to pay
WHAT TONE TO USE INITIALLY
Assume oversight.
WHY
It usually is, and accusation damages the relationship.
WHAT THE SECOND SHOULD ADD
That it is now overdue, by how long.
WHAT THE THIRD SHOULD ADD
What happens next, stated plainly.
WHAT THAT MIGHT BE
Work suspended Late payment charges applied The matter escalated
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Threaten what you will not do.
WHY
It is called, and your position weakens.
WHAT TO AVOID THROUGHOUT
Emotion Sarcasm Accusation
WHY
They give the recipient a reason to focus on your conduct.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every reminder, with dates.
WHY
It evidences your position if it proceeds further.
WHAT TO DO AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS
Escalate to a call, then to formal action.
WHAT TO PUT IN ANY FORMAL DEMAND
Only facts and figures.
