When a business client’s invoice is overdue or a friend or family member hasn’t repaid a loan, it’s essential to handle the situation delicately. Financial stability often depends on timely payments, but approaching the topic can be uncomfortable. By being courteous, clear, and proactive, you can maintain healthy relationships while ensuring you receive what’s owed. This guide offers actionable advice on when and how to send reminders, along with tips to make the process smoother. Keep reading to master the art of requesting repayment gracefully!
Key Points to Remember
- Send a brief, friendly reminder email a week before the payment is due. Clearly state the due date, amount owed, and available payment methods.
- Follow up with a polite yet firm email weekly after the due date passes. Reiterate payment instructions and mention any potential late fees or interest.
- If emails go unanswered, call the individual directly. Maintain professionalism and emphasize the urgency of settling the overdue payment.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Politely Remind a Business Client to Pay

- For instance, you could write, “Subject: Friendly Reminder - Invoice #1234 Due on 6/5. Hi Lukas, I hope this message finds you well. This is a gentle reminder that payment for invoice #1234, issued on 5/26, is due by 6/5. You can settle the payment online via [link] or mail a check to our office at [address]. Attached is a copy of the invoice for your reference. Should you need any assistance, feel free to reach out. Best regards, [your name].”

- For example, you might email, “Subject: Friendly Reminder: Invoice #1234 Due Today. Hi Nadine, This is a quick reminder that your payment for invoice #1234, sent on 5/26, is due today, 6/5. You can complete the payment online at [link] or via the bank details provided in the attached invoice. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. Best, [your name].”

- If applicable, mention any interest charges that will apply after a specified period.
- For example, write, “Subject: Urgent - Overdue Payment for Invoice #1234. Hi Adam, I’m reaching out to inform you that payment for invoice #1234 is now overdue. As per our agreement, a 5% interest fee will be applied if the invoice remains unpaid after 6/15. I’ve attached the invoice for your reference. Payments can be made online or via bank transfer. If you’ve already sent the payment, please ignore this message. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Best, [your name].”

- Start the call by introducing yourself and addressing the overdue payment.
- For example, say, “Hello Ted, this is [your name] from ABC Marketing. Thank you for your continued partnership. I’m calling to remind you that invoice #1234, due on 6/5, is now overdue. We’d appreciate it if you could settle the payment at your earliest convenience. As a reminder, we accept payments online or by check.”
- If the client is unavailable, leave a polite voicemail requesting a callback.

- For instance, email, “Subject: Overdue Payment Notice for Invoice #1234. Hi Enid, I hope you’re doing well. This is a reminder that payment for invoice #1234, due on 6/5, remains outstanding. You can pay online at [link] or via bank transfer, as detailed in the attached invoice. If payment is made within 48 hours, we’ll apply a 10% discount. Please let me know if you need any assistance. Best, [your name].”
- Alternatively, propose a discount for early payment, such as 10% off if paid within 48 hours of the initial reminder.
How to Politely Remind a Friend or Family Member to Repay

- For example, message, “Hi Josie, just a friendly reminder that your loan is due on 6/5. You can repay via Venmo ([username]) or cash. Let me know if you need any assistance!”
- On the due date, text, “Hey Ravi, hope all is well! A quick reminder that your $1,000 loan is due today. You can send the payment via Venmo, PayPal ([username]), or direct bank transfer. Feel free to reach out if you need help.”
- For smaller amounts, like a meal, text, “Hey, just checking in about the dinner I covered last week. Could you repay me via Venmo or PayPal when you get a chance?”
- If you’ve requested money on Venmo, use the app’s reminder feature by navigating to your profile, selecting the incomplete notification, and tapping “Remind.”

- For example, text, “Hi Kenya, just a reminder that your payment was due on 6/5 and is now a week overdue. When can I expect the repayment? Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfer works for me. Let me know if you need any help.”
- For smaller amounts, message, “Hey, remember the $30 I lent you last month? Could you repay it via Venmo or PayPal when possible?”

- For example, say, “Hi Darien, how are you? I wanted to check in about the loan. The payment was due on 6/5, and I haven’t received it yet. Do you have an idea of when you can repay me?”

- For example, if they borrowed $500 for a car, you might ask, “How’s the new car treating you?”

- Reach out via text, call, or in person. Be straightforward yet compassionate, and discuss the debt while offering a manageable repayment plan.
- For instance, message, “Hey, just checking in. I know we agreed on 6/5 for repayment, but I understand things come up. Would $50/month work for you? Let me know what you think.”

- If they haven’t responded, casually mention your financial situation or send a text like, “Hey, I’m in a bit of a tight spot right now. Could you repay the loan soon? It would really help.”
Effective Invoicing Practices for Clients

- For example, email, “Subject: Invoice #1234 Due on 6/5. Hi Javier, I hope you’re well. Attached is the invoice for our social media marketing services, due on 6/5. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Best, [your name].”

- For example, include, “Per our agreement, a 2% interest fee will apply if the payment remains unpaid for 10 days after 6/15.”
- For new clients, consider offering some flexibility, while for repeat clients with a history of late payments, issue a warning about potential termination of services.


- When creating automated reminders, use a polite and professional tone. Include personalized touches like your company logo, a warm greeting, and your signature to enhance engagement.
- If your business uses PayPal, leverage its automatic invoicing feature for seamless payment tracking.

Guidelines for Lending Money to Friends and Family

- Offer flexible payment options, such as cash, Venmo, PayPal, or bank transfers, to make repayment easier.
- Interest rates for personal loans typically stay below 6%.
- For example, email, “Hi Silvia, I’m formalizing our loan agreement to ensure we’re on the same page. You borrowed $1,000 on 3/5 for tuition, with repayment due by 6/5. If unpaid by then, a $5 weekly fee will apply. Please confirm your agreement to these terms. Let me know if you have any questions.”

- Track payments and adjustments in an online spreadsheet or a written log.
- For smaller expenses, like drinks, simply ask your friend to cover the next round as repayment.

- Declining a loan request can be difficult, but honesty about your financial situation prevents misunderstandings and preserves relationships.
- If uncomfortable lending money, kindly say, “It’s not personal, but I’m not comfortable loaning money. I’m happy to help in other ways if possible.”