3-Step Escalation Sequence for Overdue Invoices
Most collections fail because there’s no sequence. Use this 3-step plan to move from reminder → date demand → escalation, without writing long emails.
Generate free previewWhen to use / when to send
Checklist / what to include
- A single thread with invoice #{{InvoiceNumber}} and {{Amount}}
- One payment link {{PayLink}} in every message
- One question per message: “What date will it be paid?”
- A reply deadline {{ReplyByDate}} for each step
- A real escalation deadline {{DeadlineDate}} if needed
How to use
Copy/paste template
Follow-up plan + common mistakes
- Step 1 (Day 1 overdue): request scheduled payment date
- Step 2 (Day 3–5 overdue): demand exact payment date + call AP
- Step 3 (Day 7–10 overdue): final deadline {{DeadlineDate}} and escalation
- Don’t reset the conversation with new threads
- Don’t accept “processing” without a date
- Don’t threaten escalation unless you’ll do it