Before you send a reminder
The UK Small Business Commissioner advises checking the original invoice and contract, confirming the payment terms and due date, and making sure there are no invoice errors before escalating an unpaid invoice. That is also the practical order for freelancers.
- Open the invoice and confirm the invoice number, due date, amount, and payment instructions.
- Check whether the client asked for a purchase order, supplier portal upload, or different billing contact.
- Keep the first reminder friendly. Many late invoices are process misses, not refusals.
- Record when you sent the reminder so the next nudge has context.
Crest automatic reminders are live for opt-in live invoices. Use these examples manually for PDF-only invoices; live invoices can send one polite reminder after the due date.
Reminder email examples
Subject: Invoice INV-1027 due tomorrow
Hi [client name], quick reminder that invoice INV-1027 for [work] is due tomorrow. The total is [amount]. Payment details are included on the invoice, and I am happy to resend anything you need.
Thanks,
[your name]
Subject: Invoice INV-1027 due today
Hi [client name], invoice INV-1027 is due today. Could you let me know when payment is scheduled? I have included the payment details below for convenience.
Thanks,
[your name]
Subject: Payment reminder for invoice INV-1027
Hi [client name], I am checking in on invoice INV-1027, which was due on [date]. The outstanding amount is [amount]. Please let me know if anything is missing or if the invoice needs to be resent to another contact.
Thanks,
[your name]
Subject: Second reminder: invoice INV-1027
Hi [client name], I am following up again on invoice INV-1027 for [amount]. Could you confirm the payment date or the right person to contact about this invoice?
Thanks,
[your name]
Follow-up workflow
- Send the invoice with clear payment instructions and a due date.
- If payment is near due, send a short reminder with the invoice number and amount.
- If payment is overdue, ask whether anything is missing and offer to resend the invoice.
- If there is still no answer, contact the client directly and document the next agreed step.
- When money lands, close the loop yourself. In Crest language, Crest it.
Payment reminder FAQ
Does Crest send automatic payment reminders today?
Yes, for opt-in live invoices. Create and download is live today, and live invoices can send one polite reminder after the due date.
What should I include in a payment reminder email?
Include the invoice number, amount, due date, payment instructions, and a clear next step, while keeping the tone professional.