Ten ready-to-use follow-up emails for every stage of an overdue invoice. Just copy, customize the placeholders, and send. Each template is professional, respectful, and designed to get you paid without damaging the relationship.
Template 1: First Gentle Reminder
Subject: Friendly Reminder — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I understand things can get busy, so this is just a friendly nudge in case it slipped through the cracks.
If you've already sent the payment, please disregard this message and accept my thanks. Otherwise, could you let me know when I might expect it? I'm happy to resend the invoice or answer any questions.
Thank you for your time, and I appreciate working with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 2: Polite Check-In After Due Date
Subject: Quick Check-In — Invoice [Invoice Number] Past Due
Hi [Client Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to let you know that Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] was due on [Due Date] and appears to remain outstanding. I completely understand that these things can be overlooked.
Would you mind confirming whether the payment has been processed on your end? If there are any issues with the invoice itself or if you need me to resend it, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Thank you so much for looking into this. I truly value our working relationship.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Subject: Payment Reminder — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I wanted to gently follow up regarding Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which had a due date of [Due Date]. I know how hectic things can get, so I've included the payment details below for your convenience.
If you've already arranged the payment, wonderful — please ignore this note. If anything on the invoice needs clarification, I'm happy to help sort it out right away.
Thanks for your attention to this, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 4: Firm Second Follow-Up
Subject: Second Notice — Invoice [Invoice Number] Now Overdue
Hi [Client Name],
I'm following up again regarding Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I sent a reminder previously but have not yet received a response or payment confirmation.
Timely payments help me maintain the quality of service I provide, and I'd appreciate your help in resolving this. Could you please provide an update on the expected payment date?
If there's a problem with the invoice or if you'd like to discuss a payment arrangement, I'm open to finding a solution that works for both of us.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 5: Direct Follow-Up Requesting a Timeline
Subject: Outstanding Balance — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I'd like to bring your attention to Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which is now past the due date of [Due Date]. I've reached out previously and would appreciate an update at your earliest convenience.
Understanding your payment timeline would be very helpful for my records. If there are any concerns or discrepancies with the invoice, please let me know so we can address them promptly.
I value our professional relationship and want to ensure we resolve this smoothly. A brief reply confirming your intended payment date would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 6: Firm Reminder With Account Summary
Subject: Action Needed — Invoice [Invoice Number] Overdue
Hi [Client Name],
This is a follow-up regarding the outstanding balance on your account. Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] was due on [Due Date], and I have not yet received payment or a response to my previous messages.
I'd like to resolve this as soon as possible. Please review the invoice and let me know if you need any additional information from my side. If circumstances have changed on your end, I'm happy to discuss options so we can find a workable path forward.
Your prompt response would be very much appreciated.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 7: Final Notice — Serious but Respectful
Subject: Final Notice — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I am writing to inform you that Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], originally due on [Due Date], remains unpaid despite multiple follow-up attempts. This is my final written notice regarding this outstanding balance.
I take this matter seriously and need to resolve it without further delay. Please arrange payment at your earliest opportunity or contact me directly to discuss the situation. I would much prefer to settle this between us and maintain our professional relationship.
I kindly ask that you respond within seven days of receiving this message so that we can close this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 8: Formal Final Reminder
Subject: Urgent — Unresolved Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
Despite several prior communications, Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount] due on [Due Date] has not been settled. I want to address this matter directly and respectfully.
This invoice is now significantly overdue, and I must ask that you treat this as a priority. If there is a reason payment has been delayed, I am willing to have a conversation about it. My goal is to reach a resolution that is fair to both parties.
Please respond with a payment confirmation or contact me within five business days to discuss next steps. I appreciate your immediate attention.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 9: Last Attempt Before Escalation
Subject: Immediate Attention Required — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I am reaching out one final time regarding Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I have made multiple attempts to resolve this and have not received a response.
I want to be transparent: I would prefer to resolve this directly with you and remain open to a conversation about any difficulties you may be facing.
Please share a timeline so we can close this out smoothly, or contact me within the next five business days.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Template 10: Quick Check-In for Overdue With No Response
Subject: Checking In — Invoice [Invoice Number]
Hi [Client Name],
I haven't heard back from you regarding Invoice [Invoice Number] for [Amount], which was due on [Due Date], and I just wanted to make sure everything is okay on your end.
If there's been a change in circumstances or if you simply missed my earlier messages, no worries at all — just let me know. A quick reply with an update would go a long way. I'm flexible and happy to work with you on timing if needed.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Customize These with AI
Let PaidPolite's AI adapt these templates to your specific situation, invoice details, and tone preferences.
Send your first follow-up one to three days after the payment due date. If the invoice is for a large amount or a new client, a gentle reminder on the due date itself can also be appropriate. Follow up again at one week and two weeks if there is no response.
How many follow-up emails should I send?
Most professionals send three to four follow-up emails spaced about a week apart. Start with a gentle reminder, escalate to a firm follow-up, and finish with a final notice. If you still receive no response, consider a phone call or a different communication channel.
What tone should invoice follow-ups use?
Always keep a professional and respectful tone, even in final notices. A courteous approach preserves the business relationship and is more likely to result in payment. Avoid language that sounds aggressive or threatening.
Should I mention late fees in follow-up emails?
Only mention late fees if they were agreed upon in your original contract or terms of service. If they were, a polite reference to the late-fee policy in your second or third follow-up is appropriate. Never introduce surprise fees that were not previously disclosed.
What if the client doesn't respond to any follow-up?
If emails go unanswered, try a phone call or a message through a different channel. Sometimes emails land in spam or get overlooked. A brief, polite call can resolve the issue quickly. You can also send a physical letter as a final step.
Can I automate invoice follow-up emails?
Yes. Many invoicing and accounting tools let you schedule automatic payment reminders. You can also use PaidPolite to generate personalized follow-up drafts with AI, then send them through your own email client at the right time.