How to ask for payment without being rude (templates included) (2024)
Emails can be often ignored and lost in your customer’s inbox.In those cases, you should call them.
Generally, a phone call is enough to spur customers into action.You might realise that the reason customers weren’t paying you had nothing to do with them but was an error on your behalf.
Whatever reason they give you for why it hasn’t been paid can be sorted out over the phone. You’ll probably reach a solution quicker than you would over email.
For the best success when calling a client, make sure you do the following:
Avoid bringing up anything not related to invoice payment
Speak clearly and politely
Don’t make any accusations regardless of how heated your customer may become
Explain what your customer needs to pay you
Explain how your customer can pay you
Define any late fees that customers are required to pay
Your customer may make an excuse as to why they can’t pay you. If it’s reasonable and acceptable, ensure you ask them to define when they will pay you. With a date, you appropriately follow up with them on that date.
If they don’t pick up your phone call, don’t panic.They might be in the middle of something else or they might not recognize your phone number.Follow the call up with a text and then call them back either in a few hours or the next day.
If you customer appears to be ignoring you and not paying the invoice, you can try visiting their office.
“Hi there [Name], We hope this email finds you well. We understand that it may be a busy time, but we wanted to remind you of your outstanding payment on invoice # [number] due [date]. We have attached an additional copy of the invoice for easy reference.
On the phone, identify yourself and explain calmly and politely the purpose of the call. Don't forget to mention that you're following up on email reminders. Talk to the client about every possible means of getting your payment. These may include using a credit card or using a convenient method.
We have yet to receive the payment due from invoice #XXXX, which was due on [date]. This invoice is now two weeks overdue, and the delay of this payment is putting us in financial strain. As a matter of urgency, please let us know when we can expect payment from you.
I hope you're well. I'm contacting you in regard to invoice #001. This is a friendly reminder that the payment was due on Thursday, November 30 and is now two weeks past due. Please send payment as soon as possible by check or direct transfer.
We recommend maintaining a friendly and clear tone and adding a clear call to action. Hello! This text is to let you know that your payment is due today.Please review the attached invoice (due August 15th) and send payment at your earliest convenience.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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