How to Chase Late Invoices Without Being Awkward

Direct answer: how should tradesmen chase late invoices without being awkward?

Direct answer: Send the invoice on the day the work is completed, follow up with a friendly reminder at day 7, a direct request at day 14, a firmer note at day 21, and a final notice at day 30 that references your legal right to charge late-payment interest and compensation under UK law. Keep every communication professional, save all records, and offer a payment plan if the client genuinely cannot pay in full.

You've done the work. The customer is happy. But the invoice is sitting there unpaid and it's been two weeks. Sound familiar?

Chasing money is awkward, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to get paid without damaging the relationship.

Prevention is Better Than Chasing

The best way to get paid on time is to set expectations before you start:

• State payment terms on your quote (e.g. "Payment due within 14 days of completion")
• For larger jobs, take a deposit upfront (30–50% is standard)
• Invoice on the day you finish - not a week later
• Make it easy to pay: bank transfer, card payment, whatever works

The Follow-Up Timeline

Day the job is done: Send the invoice

Don't wait. Invoice the same day while the work is fresh in their mind. Use Jobnix to send it from your phone before you've left the site.

Day 7: Friendly reminder

"Hi [name], just a quick reminder about the invoice from last week. Let me know if you need anything."

Day 14: Direct follow-up

"Hi [name], the invoice for [job] is now overdue. Could you let me know when you're able to settle it? Happy to discuss if there's an issue."

Day 21: Firm but fair

"Hi [name], I still haven't received payment for the [job] completed on [date]. The total is [amount] and was due on [date]. Please arrange payment within 7 days. Thanks."

Day 30+: Final notice

At this point you can mention late payment fees (you're legally entitled to charge interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act) or that you'll need to consider further action.

Tips That Actually Work

• Phone beats text: A friendly phone call is harder to ignore than a message
• Don't apologise for asking: You did the work, you deserve to be paid
• Stay professional: Never get aggressive or personal, even if you're frustrated
• Keep records: Save every message and note every call. You'll need this if things escalate
• Offer a payment plan: If they genuinely can't pay, suggest splitting it into instalments. Getting paid slowly is better than not getting paid at all

Late Payment Charges

Under UK law, you can charge:

• Interest at 8% + Bank of England base rate
• Fixed compensation: £40 (debts up to £999.99), £70 (£1,000–£9,999.99), £100 (£10,000+)

Most tradespeople never actually charge these, but mentioning them in a final reminder often prompts payment.