How to chase an unpaid invoice (politely) — with templates

Chasing money is nobody’s favourite job. But unpaid invoices don’t chase themselves, and the longer you wait the harder they get. Here’s a calm, effective system — with words you can copy.

First: make it hard to ignore

Before you chase, check the basics are in place: a clear due date, your bank details on the invoice, and a record of when you sent it. Half of “late” payments are really “I lost the invoice” — so your first message should make paying effortless.

The cadence

• Day it’s due: a friendly reminder.
• 7 days overdue: a firmer nudge.
• 14 days overdue: a direct message referencing your terms.
• 30 days: a final notice before escalation.

Send these on schedule, unemotionally. Consistency is what gets you paid.

Templates you can copy

On the due date:

Hi [name], just a friendly note that invoice [number] for £[amount] is due today. Here are the details again: [link/bank]. Thanks so much!

7 days overdue:

Hi [name], invoice [number] (£[amount]) is now a week overdue. Could you let me know when I can expect payment? Happy to resend anything you need.

14 days overdue:

Hi [name], invoice [number] is now 14 days overdue, past the [X]-day terms we agreed. Please arrange payment this week. Let me know if there’s an issue I can help with.

Final notice:

Hi [name], this is a final reminder for invoice [number], now 30 days overdue. If payment isn’t received by [date] I’ll have to consider next steps. I’d much rather resolve it directly — please get in touch.

Stop this happening again

Most late payments are a tracking problem, not a client problem — you forget which invoices are outstanding until it’s a crisis.

Sedonis shows you paid, unpaid and overdue at a glance and surfaces what’s due, so chasing becomes a two-minute habit instead of a monthly panic. Free to start.

Related: how to write an invoice and how to price freelance work.

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General guidance. For persistent non-payment, seek proper debt-recovery or legal advice.