When to send it
Seven days after the due date, or four days after the first reminder if it got no reply.
The full template
- Subject
- Second reminder: invoice [INVOICE #], [X] days overdue
Hi [CLIENT NAME], Following up on my message from [DATE OF FIRST REMINDER]. Invoice [INVOICE #] for [AMOUNT] is now [X] days overdue and I haven't had a reply. Could you reply with the date the payment will be made? That's all I need for now. Details again: Amount: [AMOUNT] Pay to: [BANK DETAILS / PAYMENT LINK] Reference: [INVOICE #] Thanks, [YOUR NAME]
Variant: When the first reminder got a vague reply
- Subject
- Re: invoice [INVOICE #]
Hi [CLIENT NAME], Thanks for saying you'd look into it last week. I still don't see the payment for invoice [INVOICE #] ([AMOUNT]). Can you give me a specific date? I'll put it in my calendar and won't chase before then. [YOUR NAME]
Mistakes to avoid
- Copying the first reminder word for word. Reference it by date instead.
- Adding pressure too early. Save deadlines and fees for day 14.
- Forgetting to reply in the same thread, so the first reminder is lost.
- Accepting "soon" or "this week" as an answer. Ask for the day.
FAQ
How long should I wait between payment reminders?
Around four to seven days early on: day 3, day 7, day 14 and day 30 after the due date is a common schedule.
What should a second reminder say?
Reference the first reminder, state how overdue the invoice is, repeat the payment details and ask for a payment date.