When a payment is late, start by checking the invoice and confirming that the customer received it. The delay may be a missed message, an unclear due date, a cash-flow issue, or a question about the work.
Make payment terms clear in advance
State the due date, accepted payment methods, and any agreed terms on the invoice or contract. If you are considering late charges or other remedies, confirm that the terms are lawful and appropriate for your agreement. Get advice from a qualified professional if you are unsure.
Follow up with a clear next step
Send a polite reminder that includes the invoice number, amount, due date, and a way to contact you. Ask whether the customer needs a copy or has a question about the amount. If they cannot pay in full, discuss a realistic plan and record what you agree.
Keep a note of the date and outcome of each conversation. If the customer disputes an amount, review the work and supporting documents before deciding how to proceed. Escalate unresolved disputes through the process set out in your agreement.
Keep your invoice records current
SokoWise invoicing lets you review invoice statuses and set up recurring invoices for regular billing. Use the status as a prompt to check in; it does not explain why a payment is late. See SokoWise invoicing for the available tools.