Payment Follow-Up - Firm Second Chase

A firmer follow-up for unpaid invoices, referencing the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 and outlining consequences.

Payment Follow-Up - Firm Second Chase

Disclaimer: This is a template - always read the linked guide first. BeautyKiln gives general information, not legal advice.

From: [YOUR NAME] Business: [YOUR BUSINESS NAME] Date: [DATE] To: [CLIENT NAME] Sent via: [EMAIL / LETTER / TEXT - keep a record]

Dear [CLIENT NAME],

I'm writing to follow up on my previous message sent on [DATE OF FIRST CHASE] regarding an overdue payment. Unfortunately, I haven't received payment or heard back from you, so I wanted to get in touch again.

Outstanding invoice details:

• Invoice number: [INVOICE NUMBER]
• Date issued: [INVOICE DATE]
• Original due date: [DUE DATE]
• Amount due: £[AMOUNT]
• Days overdue: [NUMBER] days
• Service provided: [DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENT/SERVICE]

I understand that unexpected things come up, and I'm not trying to make this difficult. However, this payment is now significantly overdue and I do need to resolve it.

I need to make you aware of the following:

1. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, I'm entitled to charge interest on overdue payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed compensation fee of £40 for debts up to £999.99. I haven't added these charges yet, but I will need to if this remains unpaid.

2. If payment isn't received within 14 days (by [DATE 14 DAYS FROM NOW]), I'll have no choice but to suspend any future bookings until the balance is cleared.

3. If the matter remains unresolved, I may need to take further action to recover the debt, which could include formal legal proceedings.

Payment methods available:

• Bank transfer: [YOUR BANK DETAILS OR "as per invoice"]
• Card payment: [PAYMENT LINK / METHOD]
• Other: [ANY OTHER PAYMENT METHODS]

If there's a genuine reason you're unable to pay right now, please get in touch so we can discuss a payment plan. I'd much rather sort this out between us than take it any further.

Please reply to this message or call me on [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] within the next 14 days.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME] [YOUR BUSINESS NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

Notes for you (delete before sending):

• Keep a copy and note the exact date and time you sent this
• If sending by post, use recorded delivery so you have proof
• Screenshot any read receipts if sending by email or text
• If they still don't respond within 14 days, the next step is a formal Letter Before Action
• Do not discuss the debt with anyone else or on social media