5 Invoice Follow-Up Email Templates That Actually Get You Paid
These are the exact emails Chaser sends automatically. Copy them, or let Chaser do it for you.
If you're a freelancer, you've been there. The invoice was due 2 weeks ago. You've been putting off the follow-up because it feels awkward. So you wait, and the money doesn't come.
Here are 5 battle-tested templates β one for each stage of the invoice chase. Use them verbatim, or let Chaser send them automatically.
Template 1 β Day 3: Friendly reminder
Use this first. Assume good faith β most clients just forget.
Subject: Friendly reminder: Invoice #[NUMBER] β due [DATE]
Hi [Client name],
Hope you're well! Just a quick note β Invoice #[NUMBER] for [AMOUNT] was due on [DATE]. It may have slipped through the cracks.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there's a better way to submit this for payment.
Thanks!
[Your name]
Template 2 β Day 7: Firm follow-up
Still friendly, but now slightly more direct. Offer to re-send the invoice.
Subject: Following up: Invoice #[NUMBER] now 7 days overdue
Hi [Client name],
I'm following up on Invoice #[NUMBER] for [AMOUNT], which is now 7 days past its due date of [DATE].
I've attached the invoice again for easy reference. Please let me know when I can expect payment, or if you need anything from me to process this.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 3 β Day 14: Serious notice
The tone shifts. This one gets attention.
Subject: URGENT: Invoice #[NUMBER] β [AMOUNT] now 14 days overdue
Hi [Client name],
Invoice #[NUMBER] for [AMOUNT] is now 14 days overdue. This is my third follow-up.
I need this resolved by [DATE + 3 DAYS]. Please confirm your payment timeline, or let me know if there is a dispute I should be aware of.
Regards,
[Your name]
Template 4 β Day 30: Final notice
The "my accountant is handling this" email. Works remarkably well.
Subject: Final notice: Invoice #[NUMBER] β payment required
Hi [Client name],
Invoice #[NUMBER] for [AMOUNT] remains unpaid 30 days after the due date. I have passed this to my accountant for follow-up.
To avoid any disruption to our relationship, please arrange payment immediately. If payment is not received within 7 days, I will need to consider formal recovery options.
[Your name]
Template 5 β After payment: Thank you
Always send this. Maintains the relationship.
Subject: Payment received β thank you!
Hi [Client name],
Thank you β I can confirm I've received payment for Invoice #[NUMBER]. The invoice is now settled.
Looking forward to working together again!
[Your name]
Tired of sending these manually?
Chaser sends all of these automatically β on the right day, with your name, escalating in tone over time. You set it once and forget it.
When they pay, you mark it paid. That's it.
Let Chaser do this for you β free
3 invoices free. No credit card. Set up in 2 minutes.
Try Chaser free βFree 7-Day Email Course: Get Invoices Paid Faster
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