A workable routine
Follow up clearly. Keep it about the invoice.
An unpaid invoice does not always mean an unwilling client. A consistent routine helps you check the facts, ask for payment and avoid rewriting the same message every week.
The follow-up timeline
From first reminder to next steps.
Dates are relative to the invoice due date. Follow-ups continue only while the invoice remains unpaid.
−3 days
Friendly heads-up
A reminder before payment is due.
Due date
Payment due
The reference point for your schedule.
+1 day
Polite nudge
Check whether payment is arranged.
+7 days
Firm follow-up
Ask for a confirmed payment date.
+14 days
Final reminder
Make the outstanding balance clear.
+21 days
Letter of demand
Pro draft · Pending solicitor review.
Paid at any stage? Mark it paid. The remaining reminders stop.
On Free, you review and send emails yourself. Pro checkout and automatic sending are not available yet. The letter of demand is not legal advice.
Try a sample
See the reminder your client would receive.
Demo only. Nothing is saved or emailed. Use sample details rather than private client information.
Friendly heads-up · 12 Nov 2026
Subject: Upcoming: invoice 1042 due 15 Nov 2026
Hi Alex, Just a friendly heads-up that invoice 1042 for $1,200.00 is due on 15 Nov 2026. Let me know if you need anything from me to process it. Thanks, Sam
Free reminders are sent manually. Pro checkout and automatic sending are not available yet. Letter of demand drafts remain pending solicitor review.
A schedule you can work from
3 days before due
A friendly heads-up
Remind the client of the upcoming due date and the amount. Give them a chance to flag a missing invoice or a payment detail.
1 day overdue
Check in
State that payment is now overdue. Ask whether it has been arranged and make it easy to identify the invoice.
7 days overdue
Ask for a payment date
Be direct about the outstanding balance. Ask the client to confirm when payment will be made, rather than sending another vague check-in.
14 days overdue
Make the request firm
Use a final reminder with clear invoice details. Check the client's replies before deciding whether further escalation is appropriate.
Chase prepares this schedule for each invoice. On Free, you review and send each email yourself.
Before you send
- Check your bank account first. Mark the invoice paid in Chase if the money has arrived.
- Check the invoice number, amount, due date and recipient address.
- Read any replies. A genuine dispute or agreed payment arrangement needs a conversation, not a stronger template.
Keep your wording factual
Use the invoice details and a clear request. Avoid guessing why a client has not paid, apologising for asking or threatening action you do not intend to take.
Chase provides a starting point. Check that the wording suits your client and the situation before sending it.
If reminders do not resolve it
A letter of demand is a separate escalation, not just another nudge. Chase's Pro draft is scheduled for 21 days overdue, but remains pending solicitor review and is not legal advice. Pro is not available to buy yet. For a disputed or significant debt, get legal advice before escalating.
Start with one unpaid invoice.
Add the client, amount and due date. See your reminder schedule, then choose your next follow-up.
Start freeNo card needed · Unlimited invoices on Free