Chasing an unpaid invoice without antagonising the client

The opening mistake

Writing the first reminder assuming bad faith. In the vast majority of cases the invoice slipped through: a new bookkeeper, an e-mail in spam, a file left on a desk corner.

D+7 — the reminder

Short, factual, no blame. “Just following up on invoice F-2026-0021 for €1,284.” You resend the payment link and stop there.

D+15 — the firm follow-up

Restate the missed due date, mention the contractual penalties and the flat recovery fee. The tone stays professional: you observe, you don't accuse.

D+30 — formal notice

Registered letter with acknowledgement. It starts interest running and forms the evidence required before proceedings. At this stage, the commercial relationship is secondary.

What avoids all three

A deposit on signature, a due date written on the invoice, and a follow-up prepared automatically at the right time. The hard part of chasing is remembering to do it.