# Overdue invoice ladder

Placeholders: {invoice}, {amount}, {due_date}, {client}, {name}, {terms}, {rate}, {date}

---

## 1 — Three days before due

**Subject:** {invoice} — due {due_date}

Hi {name},

Invoice {invoice} for {amount} is due on {due_date}. Attaching it again so it is
near the top of your inbox.

Anything you need from me before then?

---

## 2 — One day late

**Subject:** {invoice} ({amount}) — due yesterday

Hi {name},

Invoice {invoice} for {amount} was due on {due_date}. Attached again in case it
needs re-uploading anywhere.

Can you let me know when it is scheduled?

---

## 3 — One week late

**Subject:** {invoice} — with you or with accounts?

Hi {name},

Invoice {invoice} for {amount} is a week past due. Is it sitting with you for
approval, or has it gone through to accounts?

Happy to send it anywhere that helps.

---

## 4 — Two weeks late

**Subject:** {invoice} — interest applies from today

Hi {name},

Invoice {invoice} for {amount} is now two weeks past due. Our terms are {terms},
so interest applies from today at {rate}.

What date can I expect this to be settled?

(cc: accounts)

---

## 5 — Thirty days late

**Subject:** {invoice} — final notice

Hi {name},

Invoice {invoice} for {amount} is thirty days past due and I have not had a
reply to my last two messages.

If it is not settled by {date} I will pause the current work and pass the
account on for collection. I would much rather not.

Can you confirm a payment date today?

---

## Words to cut

- "Just" — as in "just checking in". Removes the weight from the sentence.
- "Sorry to chase" — tells the reader that asking is an imposition.
- "At your earliest convenience" — no date, no obligation.
- "Friendly reminder" — nobody has ever believed this phrase.
- "I hope this finds you well" — fine in message one, absurd by message four.