6 Demand Letter Templates for Outstanding Payments

Yassine Chabli

<p>In the professional world, ensuring timely payments from clients is crucial. When invoices go unpaid, a formal demand letter can be an effective tool to remind clients of their obligations. Here, we present six demand letter templates tailored to different situations. These templates will help you formalize your payment requests while adhering to legal and contractual standards.</p>
<p>Don’t miss our <a href="https://www.billabex.com/en/blog/accounts-receivable-management">comprehensive guide on following up on unpaid invoices</a>.</p>
<p>We have also prepared other formats of <a href="https://www.billabex.com/en/blog/reminder-templates">reminder templates</a>.</p>
<h2 id="template-1-standard-demand-for-unpaid-invoice">Template 1: Standard Demand for Unpaid Invoice</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To remind the debtor of their payment obligations and prompt them to settle the invoice promptly.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use this template when a client has not paid an invoice by the due date without providing any explanation.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Demand for Payment</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>We are writing to remind you that, as of today, invoice number [invoice number] totaling [amount] USD, due on [due date], remains unpaid.</p>
<p>We kindly ask you to remit payment within [number] days of receiving this letter. Failure to do so may result in further actions being taken.</p>
<p>We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your cooperation.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="template-2-demand-following-unfulfilled-payment-promise">Template 2: Demand Following Unfulfilled Payment Promise</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To remind the debtor that they have not honored their payment commitment.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use this when the client promised to make a payment by a certain date but failed to do so.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Reminder of Unfulfilled Payment Promise</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>Following our agreement dated [date of the agreement], you committed to settling invoice number [invoice number] for [amount] USD by [promised payment date].</p>
<p>To date, we have not received any payment. Please fulfill your commitment within [number] days to avoid any legal actions.</p>
<p>We look forward to resolving this matter amicably.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="template-3-demand-with-mention-of-late-payment-interest">Template 3: Demand with Mention of Late Payment Interest</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To encourage the debtor to pay quickly by highlighting potential late payment interest.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When you wish to emphasize the financial consequences of delayed payment.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Demand for Payment with Late Fees</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>Despite previous reminders, invoice number [invoice number] amounting to [amount] USD remains unpaid. According to our terms, a late payment interest of [interest rate]% applies from [due date].</p>
<p>Please remit payment within [number] days to prevent additional interest accrual and potential legal actions.</p>
<p>We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="template-4-demand-for-partially-paid-invoice">Template 4: Demand for Partially Paid Invoice</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To recover the remaining balance on a partially paid invoice.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use when part of the invoice has been paid, but the full amount is still outstanding.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Reminder for Outstanding Balance</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>We acknowledge receipt of a partial payment of [amount paid] USD for invoice number [invoice number]. However, a balance of [remaining amount] USD is still due.</p>
<p>Please send the remaining payment within [number] days to settle the account.</p>
<p>We appreciate your prompt response to this request.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="template-5-demand-with-threat-of-legal-action">Template 5: Demand with Threat of Legal Action</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To inform the debtor of potential legal consequences if the payment is not made.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When previous attempts to recover the payment have failed.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Final Demand Before Legal Action</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>Despite our previous communications, invoice number [invoice number] for [amount] USD remains unpaid. Failure to settle this amount within [number] days will result in legal action being taken to recover the debt.</p>
<p>We hope to avoid this course and expect your immediate payment.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="template-6-amicable-demand-before-collection-agency">Template 6: Amicable Demand Before Collection Agency</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: To make a final amicable attempt before engaging a collection agency.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Prior to handing the case over to a debt collection agency.</p>
<h3 id="sample-letter">Sample Letter</h3>
<p>Subject: Final Amicable Demand</p>
<p>Dear [Client&#39;s Name],</p>
<p>We remind you that invoice number [invoice number] for [amount] USD has been due since [due date] and remains unpaid.</p>
<p>Before proceeding with a collection agency, we invite you to resolve this matter within [number] days.</p>
<p>We look forward to your cooperation and timely response.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>[Your Name]<br>[Your Title]<br>[Company Name]<br>[Contact Information]</p>
<h2 id="faq">FAQ</h2>
<p><strong>1. What is a demand letter for payment?</strong><br>A demand letter for payment is a formal document used by creditors to request payment from debtors, specifying a deadline for the payment and warning of potential legal actions if unpaid.</p>
<p><strong>2. When should a demand letter be sent?</strong><br>It is typically sent after the payment due date has passed and after initial reminders or informal requests for payment have been ignored.</p>
<p><strong>3. What if the debtor does not respond to the demand letter?</strong><br>If there is no response, the creditor may proceed with legal action, such as filing a lawsuit or engaging a collection agency.</p>
<p><strong>4. Is a demand letter required before legal action?</strong><br>While not legally required, sending a demand letter is often recommended as it demonstrates the creditor&#39;s effort to resolve the issue amicably and can be used as evidence in court.</p>
<p><strong>5. What should be included in a demand letter?</strong><br>It should include details of the debt (amount, due date), a clear request for payment by a specific date, and a warning of potential consequences for non-payment.</p>
<p>These templates will assist you in managing outstanding payments effectively while adhering to legal regulations. Ensure to customize the templates to fit your specific circumstances for optimal results.</p>

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Article written by
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Yassine Chabli
CEO and co-founder of Billabex. Serial entrepreneur in the SaaS world. Mentor at Moovjee, startup coach at the Institut Mines-Telecom (IMT) incubator, investor, and ambassador for France at saas.group.

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