If your two letters and the payment reminders sent with Zervant’s free online invoicing software don’t get that invoice paid, it’s time for your third and final letter (which is also known as a letter before action). But in the interest of customer relations it’s best to hold off doing this until you feel it’s absolutely necessary.) Late Payment Letter Template Download (You can actually apply late interest from the day the payment is late. Mention that the payment is now “considerably overdue”, and that if the matter is not resolved soon you will need to apply late payment charges. Use the same wording as above, and include all the relevant information. If you still don’t get a response, then it’s time for something a little stronger. And tailor the tone of message, depending on the type of customer you’re writing to.

Make sure you include today’s date, your contact details, the invoice reference number, and the amount that needs paying. Otherwise we look forward to receiving your payment by (DATE) at the very latest. If there are any extenuating circumstances, please contact us immediately and we will look into the matter further. As of today’s date no payment has been received. The amount outlined above was due for payment on (DATE). You can send it in the post, via email, or both. It’s somewhere in-between an invoice reminder and the final letter you send. Something along the following lines should get the message across.

But it also needs to be clear you want – and indeed expect – prompt payment. You don’t want to harm your chances of future business with anything too fiery. If you need a little reassurance check what the law says about late payment. Whilst this is annoying, you’ve still got plenty of options. If the deadline comes and goes, don’t panic. Zervant’s free online invoicing software can take care of this part. It’s not rude or pushy, it just shows you’re organised and that you expect prompt payment. It’s best practice to start sending reminders before a payment is due. So when should you send out your late payment letter? How stern can you be? And, most importantly, will it actually ensure you get paid? Step 1.

3 Step Guide to Sending Late Payment Letters This letter is, of course, a last resort when tackling late payment so we’ve also included the other actions you can take before sending it out. Just click on the download link below to access it.

Late payment letter template, also known as a letter before action.

Sample invoice letter for payment