Successfully managing a firm involves handling a number of unpleasant issues, which is no easy task. One business will eventually have to engage in the most exciting task of pursuing customers for outstanding payments. Fortunately, you can advise and remind the client to pay the outstanding payments on time with a payment reminder.
An organization will experience improved income and growth if bills are paid on time. Right now, you might be considering how to approach a client about unpaid invoices, how much wiggle room to give them, when to escalate your payment request, and more.
Continue reading this post to learn practical advice on how to write a professional payment reminder to your clients and templates for preventing late payments.
What Is a Reminder for Payment?
For a better understanding, just be clear on what a payment reminder is before diving further. A payment reminder is a written notice that a business sends to a customer if the customer’s payment is overdue or not made. Typically, it is a simple reminder sent through email, SMS, letter, or post to the consumer to pay the amount specified on the invoice.
A professional payment reminder should also always contain a few basic information. The specifics or information vary depending on a company’s relationship with its clients or the sort of contract.
The essential information that should be included in a payment reminder is the firm name, contract specifics, total balance, due date, and any linked invoices. Deeds pertaining to the interest rate, the receipt, the accepted payment options, and more might all be included.
How to Create a Successful Payment Reminder
Here are some practical suggestions for crafting the ideal payment reminder so that you really get paid.
Being a professional
Being professional is important in every field, so use professionalism while composing a payment reminder. A barrage of mails can irritate your clients; as a result, follow up with a professional method of asking them for the money. In your initial reminder, be sympathetic and make sure the correspondence you send is branded.
Keep in mind that your client might have wanted to pay but became busy, so begin with a cordial introduction. Keep your language polite and non-pushy, such as “You need to pay by this date.” The simplest sentence to use is “Your payment due date is this.” It is efficient and professional.
Include each and every invoice detail
Make sure the payment reminder covers every item on the invoice in this stage. It is necessary for the client to make their payments on time.
The legal company name, the client’s legal name, the customer’s address, the invoice number and date, the customer’s number, the balance due on the invoice, the date you sent the email, letter, or SMS, the amount that is past due, the services or goods you provided, and the contract terms should all be listed in the payment reminder. Communicate in a formal and businesslike manner.
Create a Title with Clarity
Use a clear and descriptive subject line because it is the first thing a recipient will see in the payment reminder. A precise subject line reduces the likelihood that the email will be mistakenly skipped.
Create a subject line that includes all the invoice information, such as the invoice number and due date, to prevent the receiver from opening the mailbox and seeing everything that is in the inbox right away.
Another piece of advice: write the first, second, and subsequent reminders for a thorough follow-up since it’s probable that the debtor would postpone the payment reminder.
Keep the copy succinct and simple.
There is no need in filling out numerous pages or sending an unending amount of mail, therefore long and overly comprehensive emails are frequently trash. Remember to maintain control of the mail and compose a succinct message in the payment reminder. As we mentioned earlier, speaking in a professional tone and demonstrating empathy are essential. Nobody is going to read your lengthy letter, so keep your material short and only mention the deadline.
Reattach the invoice copy.
Be sure to reattach the invoice to the mail when you send your client a payment reminder. The customer can lose the invoice or unintentionally remove it from their inbox. Therefore, adding an invoice to the mail streamlines and simplifies the payment procedure. Additionally, it informs the customer about the services and their cost.
Describe the Payment Terms & Outcomes in detail.
In order to avoid penalizing the clients and receive the money on time, payment reminders are typically given to them first. After developing a system for payment reminders, if the client still isn’t willing to pay, it’s important to explain the repercussions of late and nonpayment.
Clearly state the penalties in the payment reminder so that the customer knows what to expect. For instance, you might add interest to the unpaid balance, file a lawsuit, and turn the case over to a payment collection company.
Offer Practical Payment Options
The goal of sending payment reminders is to encourage consumers to make on-time payments. By including a number of payment options in the letter, you may speed up and improve the efficiency of this procedure. A payment link is another option you have, and it can be a fantastic solution for both you and the client. Therefore, remember to offer your consumers easy payment methods for quick approval.
Utilize Complex Tools for Email Scheduling
Automated payment reminders are the ideal way to remember your clients if you haven’t planned out the period reminders. It’s better than a bulk mailing because you can keep your messages consistent in this way. With a follow-up process, you can use cutting-edge tools or automated scheduling systems. By doing this, the client will be reminded about payment without getting too many reminders or being annoyed.
Templates for Free Payment Reminders
Now that you understand how to compose a proper payment reminder, let’s quickly review the templates to make your job easier.
Payment Reminder One Week Before the Due Date
Company name with invoice number xxxx | Date
Body:
Good day, (client name)
I hope all is okay with you. Just a friendly reminder that XXXX (payment amount) is due on XXXX (date) for invoice number XXXX.
I’ve put the invoice here (invoice link) for your review. You have the option of paying with a credit card or using the link.
If you have any questions, do study the invoice once and let me know.
Sincere regards,
(Name of sender)
(Company name and contact information)
Reminder of Payment Due Date
Subject: Company name, invoice #XXXX is due today, take action
Body:
Good day, (client name)
I hope all is okay with you. Please be advised that your payment of XXXX (payment amount) is due today. This is just a polite reminder. For your information, I have attached the invoice once more. At your convenience, you can make a payment using a payment link, a bank transfer, a credit card, or PayPal.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Sincere regards,
(Name of sender)
(Company name and contact information)
Reminder for Payment One Week After the Due Date
Invoice XXXX from Company Name is overdue by one week | Take Action
Body:
Good day, (client name)
I hope all is well with you. I’m sending you this email to let you know that your invoice, which was sent on and has a week-old due date, is now late. Whether or not you have received the invoice is something we’re worried about. For your convenience, I have attached the invoice once again.
I ask that you pay the bill right now before I escalate the situation. Please discard this email if you have already paid.
Sincere regards,
(Name of sender)
(Company name and contact information)
Reminder for Payment 30 Days After Due Date
Subject: Immediate Action Needed, Invoice XXXX is One Month Overdue, Company Name
Body:
Good day, (client name)
Even though I’ve sent you mail a few times, the invoice number XXXX’s outstanding payment of XXXX (payment amount) is still unpaid. This is my last call, and if the payment is not received by (date), I will be forced to take the necessary steps.
For your convenience, I have reattached the invoice and payment link. Please get in touch with me if you have any queries or worries.
Sincere regards,
(Name of sender)
(Company name and contact information)
To sum up
Sending payment reminders is a smart business move to encourage customers to pay the balance due on their account. Make sure the client receives all the information they need to make a simple payment when sending the payment reminders.
Additionally, act professionally and comprehend the potential outcomes of them failing to pay the amount without putting any pressure on them. The aforementioned advice will make it simple for you to persuade your debtor to pay the bill in a timely manner. In the end, it will strengthen your relationship and increase revenue for your company.