Just realized I'm the only one who doesn't send a payment reminder email

Three years ago, I had a client in Austin who was 60 days late on a $2,500 invoice. Everyone told me to send a polite reminder. I didn't. I picked up the phone and just asked, 'Hey, is everything okay over there? I saw the invoice is still open.' Turns out their bookkeeper had left and the new person was lost. We sorted it in a 10 minute call. Last month, a different client was late, and I did the same thing. Got paid the next day. I think emails get ignored or buried. A real voice makes it a person-to-person thing, not just another task. Has anyone else found that skipping the email step actually gets faster results?

4 comments

4 Comments

harper_burns593mo ago

Honestly that sounds like a total nightmare. Picking up the phone is way too aggressive and puts people on the spot. An email is polite and gives them a record to deal with on their own time. Calling feels like you're chasing them down, and it can ruin a good client relationship. My clients are busy, they don't need me interrupting their day. A simple email reminder has always worked fine for me without the awkwardness.

robin8963mo ago

Ever try calling and just asking if they got the invoice? I've had clients thank me for the heads up because their email system flagged my reminder as spam.

dianawilson3mo ago

My old boss at the print shop made us call about every late invoice. It created so much more stress than just sending a follow up email. I've seen this same thing happen with friends making plans or family group chats, where a call puts instant pressure on someone to answer right then. An email or text lets people breathe and sort things out without feeling cornered. The need to get an answer right now instead of just letting people handle it in their own time messes up so many simple interactions.

caleb_bell51mo ago

Ever try calling and just asking if they got the invoice?" - yeah, and then they say "oh yeah, totally forgot" and now I'm the one who looks like a nag. Kinda feels like @dianawilson's boss making everyone call about late invoices, just creates more awkwardness than it solves. Last time I did that the client was like "uh, I was in a meeting" and I could tell I'd just annoyed them for no reason. Emails are just easier for everyone, spam filter or not.