Short answer
Send a friendly reminder a day or two after the due date with the invoice attached, then follow up again after about a week if you haven't heard back, more directly and with a phone call if you can. Keep every message polite and factual, and note each follow-up. Most late payments are forgotten invoices, not refusals.
Before the due date
A short, friendly note a few days before payment is due reminds busy customers without any awkwardness.
Just after the due date
Send a polite reminder with the invoice attached, for example: "Hi, just a reminder that invoice 014 for ₦85,000 was due on the 10th. Here it is again for easy reference. Let me know if you need anything from me."
About a week later
Follow up again, a little more directly. If you can, call. A phone call is often faster than a third message.
If it's still unpaid
State clearly what's owed, when it was due, and what happens next, such as pausing further work until the balance is cleared. Stay calm and factual.
Make it easier next time
- Ask for a deposit before starting large jobs
- Use shorter payment terms
- Put your payment details directly on the invoice
- Keep a record of who owes you. See how to keep track of who owes you money.
Doing this in Gripd
Gripd shows which invoices are overdue at a glance, and you can switch on automatic reminders so your customer gets an email when an invoice passes its due date. You don't have to write the awkward message yourself.
Last updated 29 Sept 2026
Related questions
How do I keep track of who owes me money?
Keep one list of every debt owed to you, with the person's name, the amount, what it's for, and when they said they'd pay. Update it the moment anyone pays, and check it weekly so you can follow up on anything overdue. Money you're owed but not tracking is money you're likely to lose.
Read the full answerHow do I write an invoice?
An invoice should include your name or business name, your customer's name, a unique invoice number, the date, a clear list of what you're charging for with prices, the total, the due date, and how to pay you. Send it as soon as the work is done, and keep a copy so you can track whether it's been paid.
Read the full answerHow much should I charge for my services?
Work backwards from what you need to earn: add up your monthly income goal and business costs, divide by the hours you can realistically bill, and that's your minimum hourly rate. Then check what others in your field charge and adjust for your experience and results. Many new freelancers undercharge by forgetting unpaid admin time, tools, and tax.
Read the full answerWhat is the difference between a quote and an invoice?
A quote is an offer sent before the work starts, telling a customer what a job will cost so they can agree to it. An invoice is a request for payment sent after the work is agreed or done. A quote isn't a bill; an invoice is.
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