A client accepts the work but ignores your invoices. Learn a systematic, professional, and firm approach to collecting payment from a silent client.
It's every service provider's nightmare: The client loved the work, but when the invoice came, they went silent. You need a strategy to handle the 'ghosted' invoice.
The Professional Escalation Timeline
- Week 1: Automated gentle reminders (3 days before, on due date, 3 days late).
- Week 2: Personal email/phone call asking "Is there a problem with the invoice or the service?" (Focus on problem resolution).
- Week 3: Formal "Overdue Notice" email, restating late fees/consequences (Firm tone, reference contract).
- Week 4: Formal "Demand Letter" via certified mail (shows you are serious).
- Day 45-60: Hand off to a collections agency or small claims court (Only for valuable invoices).
Protecting Yourself
Stop all work for the client immediately. Require an upfront deposit for new clients to mitigate this risk.
Invoice ASAP's automated reminder sequence is the first and most critical step in handling a ghosted invoice, ensuring timely, impersonal follow-up.
Tags:
#collections#late-payments#client-management#legal