Invoice Collection Timeline: Day 1 to Day 90+

A steady, respectful follow-up schedule. Confirm the right contact and messaging basis, and honour opt-outs.

Day 0: Invoice Sent

Action: Send invoice via SMS + Email immediately after job completion

"Thank you for choosing [Company]! Your invoice for $2,500 is attached. Due date: [30 days]. Pay here: [link]"

Why day 0: the job is still fresh and the amount is expected. The invoice arrives as a text with a pay link, so paying is a tap rather than a task.

Day 7: Friendly Reminder

Tone: Helpful, non-threatening

"Hi [Name], friendly reminder that your $2,500 invoice is due in 23 days. Click to pay: [link]"

Why day 7: most people who have not paid yet have simply not gotten to it. One quiet nudge with the link attached is usually all it takes — and it lands before anyone feels chased.

Day 14: Payment Options Reminder

Tone: Helpful with options

"[Name], your invoice is due in 16 days. Need more time? I can split this into 3 monthly payments. Click here: [link]"

Why day 14: a customer who cannot pay $2,500 at once may prefer installments. Offer a choice only after reviewing the invoice and your terms. RemitRight takes no collection commission.

Day 25: Pre-Due Date Alert

Tone: Professional reminder

"[Name], your $2,500 invoice is due in 5 days. Avoid late fees by paying today: [link]"

Day 31: Now Overdue - First Notice

Tone: Professional but firm

"[Name], your invoice is now 1 day overdue. Please pay the $2,500 + $25 late fee today to avoid further charges: [link]"

Critical window: the first two weeks past due are when the invoice is still top of mind. This is the moment to make paying easy, not to make it awkward.

Day 45: Escalation Notice

Tone: Firm with deadline

"[Name], your invoice is 15 days overdue. Please respond by [date] or this will be sent to collections. Pay now to avoid: [link]"

What changes here: by 45 days the money your customer had at completion is usually spent. Pair the deadline with the payment plan option — 3 or 5 automatic payments — so there is still a door open.

Day 60: Final Notice Before Collections

Tone: Final warning

"FINAL NOTICE: [Name], this is your last chance to pay before legal action. $2,575 now due. Pay immediately: [link]"

Say exactly what happens next and when. A final notice only works if it is specific, and if it is the first one you have sent.

Day 75-90: Collections Decision

Options:

Small claims court (if over $1,000)
Professional collection agency
Report to credit bureaus
Write off as bad debt

Compare a written agency quote before handing off the account. Fees and terms vary by provider; a voluntary payment option may be worth trying first when the invoice is agreed and there is no approaching legal deadline.

Automate the Entire Timeline

RemitRight sends all messages on schedule - you never miss the optimal collection window