Free overdue payment reminder email template
The due date has passed and the money hasn't come in. Type a few details and copy a firm but courteous email that counts the days late and asks for a reply.
- Free to use
- Nothing to sign up for
- What you type isn't saved
Your reminder appears here
Fill in what you know and press the button. Everything is optional: leave out what you don't have and the note still reads naturally.
Tired of writing these?
Koteshen sends payment reminders for you. By default they go out 3, 7 and 14 days after the due date (Basic plan and up). Try it free for 14 days
How to chase an overdue invoice
Act in the first week
The longer an invoice sits, the less urgent it feels to the customer. A note a few days after the due date catches most forgotten invoices before late becomes a habit.
Count the days
Writing "now 7 days overdue" states a fact and keeps the note calm. It shows the invoice is late without saying anything the customer could take offense at.
Ask a question they can answer
"When can I expect payment?" invites a date, a reply or a reason. Any of the three is better than silence.
Offer to fix a problem
Sometimes an invoice goes unpaid because it is wrong or unclear. Saying you will put it right gives an unhappy customer a way to tell you.
Questions about overdue payment reminders
How long after the due date is an invoice overdue?
From the day after the due date. Many businesses wait a few days before the first note, because most late payments are a slip, and send the next one a week or two later.
How many overdue reminders should I send?
Many send about three, a friendly one near the due date, an overdue one a week or two later and a final one after that, each a little firmer. Pick a rhythm and use it for every customer.
Can I add a late fee to an overdue reminder?
Only if you agreed one in advance, for example in your terms or contract, and rules differ by state. This tool writes reminders without a fee, and you can add a line yourself if one applies.
What if the customer ignores an overdue reminder?
Follow up with the final reminder, try a call, and keep your messages short and in writing. For a large amount, ask a lawyer or a collections professional about your options before you decide.