Writing an Overdue Invoice Reminder Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample overdue invoice letter reminder as a template for your formal reminder letter.
Last updated on January 15th, 2019
A letter has the advantage over an angry phone call because it allows the business to craft a well-thought-out letter that presents all the facts while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Demanding Payment
The first step is to make sure all the facts of the situation are understood correctly. It would be embarrassing and unprofessional to send a letter demanding payment only to learn later that there were mitigating circumstances.
For example, the invoice may have been lost in the mail and never reached the customer, or, if the invoice was sent by email, the customer’s span protection may have deleted it before the customer saw it.
The points that should be clarified are:
Demanding Payment
The first step is to make sure all the facts of the situation are understood correctly. It would be embarrassing and unprofessional to send a letter demanding payment only to learn later that there were mitigating circumstances.
For example, the invoice may have been lost in the mail and never reached the customer, or, if the invoice was sent by email, the customer’s span protection may have deleted it before the customer saw it.
The points that should be clarified are:
- The format of the invoice is correct
- The invoice was actually sent and when
- The due date is past
- The invoice was received by the customer
The business should have a policy relating to the time overdue invoice reminder letters are sent. Some will send them one or two weeks after the due date. One way to decide timing policy is to test several on customers.
It may become clear what timing has the best effect. If it’s sent too early, the customer may still not be in a position to pay, and if it’s sent too late, the customer may not take it seriously.
Tone
The tone of the letter should always be polite. Even if the person feels angry that the bill hasn’t been paid, it won’t help to express anger and threats or try to intimidate the recipient of the letter, and it could make the situation worse. After all, the aim is to get the money.
The first reminder letter should be friendly and remind the customer that they have been satisfied with the company’s service in the past. The letter can also state that receiving payments are vital for keeping a small business operating.
It can also give the customer several options for payment such as:
It may become clear what timing has the best effect. If it’s sent too early, the customer may still not be in a position to pay, and if it’s sent too late, the customer may not take it seriously.
Tone
The tone of the letter should always be polite. Even if the person feels angry that the bill hasn’t been paid, it won’t help to express anger and threats or try to intimidate the recipient of the letter, and it could make the situation worse. After all, the aim is to get the money.
The first reminder letter should be friendly and remind the customer that they have been satisfied with the company’s service in the past. The letter can also state that receiving payments are vital for keeping a small business operating.
It can also give the customer several options for payment such as:
- Check
- Credit card
- PayPal
This gives pertinent details such as:
Along with the invoice reminder letter, there are some documents that should be included such as:
- How many days the invoice is overdue
- How many previous reminder notices were sent
- A fee will be added to the overdue bill
- A request for an immediate reply upon receiving this letter
- A reminder of several payment methods
Along with the invoice reminder letter, there are some documents that should be included such as:
- A copy of the original invoice with the word Reminder stamped on it and the amount and date due highlighted
- A new invoice, if applicable, that includes any late-payment fees or interest
- A pre-addressed envelope can be included so that the address of the business is clearly presented
Overdue Invoice Reminder Letter Sample
Here is a sample overdue invoice reminder letter. It should be written in formal business-letter style and be sent by certified mail, so the sender has legal confirmation that it was received by the proper person. If the sender has business letterhead, it should be used.
Overdue Invoice Reminder Letter Sample
Sender’s Name
Sender’s Business Name
Sender’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Person who owes payment
Address of Person who owes payment
City, State, Zip Code
Re: First reminder for overdue invoice
Dear Name of Person who owes payment,
This letter is to formally notify you that the payment owed by you on invoice number NUMBER is two weeks overdue. The amount of AMOUNT was due on DATE.
I have enclosed a stamped and addressed envelope for you to send the amount by check along with your account number when you receive this letter.
The invoice can also be paid by credit card or PayPal. Enclosed is a copy of the invoice that was sent to you with the date and amount due highlighted.
One month after the due date, a late fee will be applied to your bill and a new invoice will be sent. If you have already paid this invoice, please disregard this letter. Otherwise, please send the payment immediately.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Sender
Printed Name of Sender
List of enclosures (copy of invoice, envelope)
Overdue Invoice Reminder Letter Email Sample
Use the following overdue invoice reminder letter email and modify it for your specific needs.
Overdue Invoice Reminder Letter Email Sample
To: [email protected]
Subject: Final reminder for late payment - Name of Client
Dear Name of Client:
Outstanding account: $5,000
Charges for late payment: $50
Charges of interest: $500
Outstanding due: $5550
Kindly reference the emails I sent to you dated DATE and DATE requesting that you pay the amount owed on invoice number NUMBER.
This payment is overdue for two months. Because of the delay in payment, we have no choice but to charge you a late fee and interest payments making the total owed $5550.
If we do not receive payment in full including fees and interest by the end of this month, we will regrettably have to ask our debt recovery agency for help. If the debt recovery agency fails to recover the amount in full, we will be forced to cancel your account.
Please regard this matter with the utmost urgency and make the payment to settle the account.
If the payment has already been sent, please disregard this email.
Sincerely,
Signature of Sender
Printed Name of Sender
List of attachments (copy of invoice, envelope)
By Andre Bradley
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