Chasing unpaid invoices without damaging client relationships
Getting paid late is the number one stress for self-employed tradespeople. Here is how to chase payments firmly without burning the relationship.
The invoice that never gets paid
You finished the job. Customer was happy. You sent the invoice.
Two weeks later — nothing.
You do not want to be rude. They seemed like a good client. You might want more work from them. So you wait.
Another week goes by. Still nothing.
This is the situation that costs tradespeople thousands every year. Not because customers refuse to pay — but because the tradesperson never chases properly.
Why tradespeople avoid chasing
Three reasons:
Fear of seeming rude. Asking for money you are owed feels awkward. It should not — you did the work, you deserve to be paid.
Not knowing what to say. Writing a chasing message that is firm but not aggressive is genuinely difficult.
Hoping it will sort itself out. It usually does not.
The 3-message sequence that works
The most effective approach is a structured sequence that escalates gradually.
Message 1 — Friendly reminder (day 8 after invoice) Assume the best. They probably forgot.
"Hi Dave, hope you are well. Just a quick reminder that invoice 047 for £1,450 is now due. Happy to answer any questions. Payment details are on the invoice. Thanks, Mike"
Message 2 — Firmer follow up (day 15) Still professional, but more direct.
"Dear Dave, I am following up on invoice 047 for £1,450 dated 18th April which remains outstanding. Could you please arrange payment this week? If there are any issues with the invoice please let me know. Kind regards, Mike Johnson"
Message 3 — Final notice (day 22) Clear consequences, professional tone.
"Dear Dave, Invoice 047 for £1,450 is now 22 days overdue. I require payment within 7 days to avoid this matter being referred to a debt recovery service. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act I am entitled to add statutory interest of 8% above base rate. I hope we can resolve this without further action. Mike Johnson"
The bit most people skip
The third message is the one most tradespeople never send. They feel it is too aggressive. It is not — it is your legal right.
Under UK law you can charge 8% above the Bank of England base rate on late commercial payments. Most customers pay immediately when they see this mentioned.
How Drafted helps
Drafted's Payment Chaser generates all three messages for you. Tell it the customer name, invoice amount and how many days overdue — it writes the sequence automatically, escalating in firmness while keeping the professional tone.
Available on the Pro plan.
Write professional messages in seconds.
Drafted writes professional quotes, invoices and replies for UK tradespeople — free to download.
Download Drafted