writre a letter to a customer who has not paid your bills though you have sent him severalreminders by now.Request him yo pay bills and avoid legal action .Stress the value of good credit rating.
Answers
Answer: Subject: Following up on invoice [your invoice number here]
Message:
Hi [client name],
Hope things are going well for you. [Consider adding a pleasantry specific to your client.]
This is just a quick reminder that invoice [invoice number here] will be coming due on [invoice due date].
If you get a moment please take the opportunity to look over the invoice. I’m happy to answer any question you might have.
Thanks again for your business!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
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If your client is a procrastinator, this email alone may be enough to spur them into action. If they’re forgetful, it may be the reminder they need. The tone is pleasant and the reminder is couched in an offer to answer questions, which flips the arrow of responsibility and allows your client to feel like they’re being taken care of, even as you’re looking out for yourself.
While not necessary, you may consider sending out a second reminder on the invoice due date. The tone should be identical to the first. You could say something like, “This is just a quick reminder that invoice [invoice number here] is due today. If you’ve already made payment please disregard this message and we thank you. As always it’s a pleasure doing business with you.” Again, keep it friendly and light. You’re only trying to stay on your customer’s radar.
After the payment is late
In phase two, your tone begins to shift. These overdue payment reminder letters should remain professional and friendly, but you’ll begin inflecting a firm expectation of payment.
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Subject: Invoice [your invoice number here] is overdue
Message:
Hi [client name],
Our records indicate that invoice [invoice number here] is currently outstanding. Payment in the amount of [invoice amount] was due one week ago. If you would look into this we would very much appreciate it.
We know that life can be busy, and details can be missed. If there’s anything we can do to facilitate payment, please let us know. If you have any questions we’re happy to answer them. If you need another copy of the invoice just let us know.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
This email isn’t overbearing or harassing. It still couches your request for payment in a way that sounds like you’re being helpful to the client. However now you are making a specific request for payment.
Continue sending emails like the one above every week until the bill is paid. With each iteration, your tone can become less congenial and more direct. Your client needs to sense how serious you are about collecting your payment. Ask them directly if they still have it. Ask them to reach out to you and confirm receipt. Begin to put the onus of contact on them.
At 30 days overdue, your tonal transition is complete. You’re no longer giving your customer the benefit of the doubt. At this point they should sense from you that you recognize they are badly in default and need to square their account immediately. However, remember that they are still your client and you’re not looking to damage the relationship. Keep things professional but firm, and always offer to help however you can.
This will usually work… Except when it doesn’t
With well-executed overdue payment reminder letters, you’ll be surprised how less frequently accounts become seriously overdue, but occasionally it will still happen. When your emails aren’t successful, moving to paper demand letters can help spur a client to action.
Having these letters mailed by a third party adds a layer of urgency, as if they’re hearing from a law office or a collections agency who is demanding payment based on what can be viewed as a breach of contract. Williams & Harricks sends a real demand letter by mail for only $12, written on your behalf (not by you). You can pick from multiple letter templates, ranging from a friendly reminder to a stern one. And if you’re already an AND CO user, you can populate your letter automatically based on your invoice information, right from the software.
Getting paid is the lifeblood of any business. Following the steps detailed here you’ll find the whole process will be less stressful and more successful. And you’ll be able to get back to doing what you love sooner.
Explanation: