Invoice not been paid? What next…

Invoice not been paid

So you have provided goods/services and your invoice has not been paid? If this is your situation and your deadline for payment has been missed, then you need to act.

When to start chasing an unpaid invoice is the question for many. It depends on your relationship with the customer that has not paid.

Even with trusted customers, it is always best not to leave it too long. Obviously, there will be the odd anomaly where personal issues can prevent payment.

But normally it is advisable never to leave it too long.

Every day we receive calls from people who have left unpaid invoices too long. Goodwill and best intentions do not pay your bills.

At some point, you need to take action when an invoice goes unpaid so some simple advice will help. Millions of pounds of invoices go unpaid in the UK, do not let yours be one of them.

If a payment deadline has passed, just a simple follow up email can help. This will politely remind the customer to pay the invoice due.

If you are aware your customer has financial difficulties, you need to be mindful of this.

Depending on the situation, a swift action may be required to sort this late payment.

It simply is not fair that you lose out due to their money mismanagement.

If your gentle reminder has been ignored then it is time to use the phone. A polite phone call to remind them that invoice payment is overdue can do the trick.

If they ignore this then a more pragmatic strategy is going to be necessary.

If a few calls have been made and ignored then clearly there is a real issue that needs to be addressed.

Invoice Not Been Paid – What To Do Next

Your invoice has not been paid in time and the deadline has passed. The customer is ignoring your calls so you have to raise your efforts.

Sending a recorded delivery letter is a surefire way of progressing the matter. You can advise them that the invoice is well overdue.

It is at your discretion whether you choose to advise at this point, a further action is an option. Further action to recover the unpaid invoice that is.

Some self-employed people prefer to send a few letters. Others that feel they are being ignored will think just one letter is enough.

After all, your unpaid invoice is now well overdue and they have not responded to your calls. It is important to always be nice.

But regrettably, some people mistake niceness as a weakness. Do not let it be that way, your invoice is unpaid, time to remedy the situation.

When all your attempts have been exhausted and your invoice is still unpaid, it is time to act. The customer’s lack of courtesy is now impacting on you.

Not only have they not paid you but they are also soaking up your precious time and energy. This is where a Professional Debt Collection Agency can help.

Professional Debt Collection Agencies are well versed in such scenarios. At Frontline, we have helped thousands of self-employed people.

It is not just self-employed people we help get paid, also individuals and businesses too. It is a fact that the longer you have an invoice that has not been paid, the less likely it will be.

A Professional Debt Collection service can resolve the situation in a timely manner.

There is also the option of trying to issue a court claim yourself. It is worth noting that it is not done correctly then it could leave you with nothing.

If a judgment is obtained then it can also need enforcing. Read our handy guide to CCJ Debt Collection.

An invoice that is not paid can put a real dent in peoples cash flow and bank accounts. Not to mention the stress and counter-productive nature of them.

Instructing a Professional will likely get your invoice quicker and minimise any stress it can cause.

If you or your Business are suffering from unpaid invoices then speak to our Expert Team today. We have helped thousands of people just like you get their invoices paid quickly!