<p>Effective debt recovery is crucial for maintaining cash flow in any business. SMS reminders are a quick and effective way to remind clients of their payment obligations. In this article, we provide 20 SMS templates tailored for different situations to help you encourage debtors to settle their accounts promptly.</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-friendly-reminder-for-due-invoice">Template 1: Friendly Reminder for Due Invoice</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Politely remind a client that their invoice is due.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use this template the day after the invoice's due date.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], your invoice #[invoice number] for $[amount] was due on [date]. Please arrange payment at your earliest convenience. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-2-reminder-after-7-days-overdue">Template 2: Reminder After 7 Days Overdue</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Emphasize the importance of settling the invoice.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Send this a week after the due date.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], we noticed invoice #[invoice number] for $[amount] is still unpaid. Please settle within 3 days. Thank you, [Your Name].</p>
<h2 id="template-3-reminder-with-late-payment-interest">Template 3: Reminder with Late Payment Interest</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Inform the client about potential late payment fees.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use when your terms include late payment interest.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], invoice #[invoice number] for $[amount] is [days] days overdue. Late fees apply. Please pay promptly to avoid additional charges.</p>
<h2 id="template-4-reminder-after-partial-payment">Template 4: Reminder After Partial Payment</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Remind the client of the remaining balance after a partial payment.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When a partial payment has been made.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], we received a partial payment for invoice #[invoice number]. The remaining balance is $[amount]. Please arrange payment soon. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-5-firm-reminder-before-legal-action">Template 5: Firm Reminder Before Legal Action</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Warn the client of potential legal action.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Last reminder before initiating legal proceedings.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], unless we receive payment for invoice #[invoice number] within 5 days, we will have to consider legal action. Please pay promptly.</p>
<h2 id="template-6-reminder-after-broken-payment-agreement">Template 6: Reminder After Broken Payment Agreement</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Remind the client of an unfulfilled payment agreement.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When a client fails to honor a payment plan.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], per our agreement, payment of $[amount] was due on [date]. Please make this payment promptly to avoid further actions.</p>
<h2 id="template-7-reminder-for-very-old-invoice">Template 7: Reminder for Very Old Invoice</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Recover a significantly overdue invoice.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use for invoices unpaid for several months.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], invoice #[invoice number] is still unpaid since [date]. Please contact our accounts department to resolve this issue promptly.</p>
<h2 id="template-8-reminder-after-contact-change">Template 8: Reminder After Contact Change</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Ensure the invoice is handled by the correct person after a contact change.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When the usual contact changes.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], invoice #[invoice number] for $[amount] is still outstanding. Please let us know the correct contact for payment arrangements.</p>
<h2 id="template-9-reminder-before-sending-to-collection-agency">Template 9: Reminder Before Sending to Collection Agency</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Warn the client before referring the debt to a collection agency.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Last attempt before external collection.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], if payment for invoice #[invoice number] is not received within 7 days, we will refer your account to a collection agency. Please pay promptly.</p>
<h2 id="template-10-reminder-during-economic-hardship">Template 10: Reminder During Economic Hardship</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Show empathy while requesting payment.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: During economic downturns affecting clients.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], we understand the current challenges. Please contact us to discuss payment of invoice #[invoice number]. We appreciate your cooperation.</p>
<h2 id="template-11-reminder-after-failed-automatic-payment">Template 11: Reminder After Failed Automatic Payment</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Notify the client of a failed automatic payment and request an alternative solution.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: After a failed payment attempt.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], the automatic payment for invoice #[invoice number] was unsuccessful. Please contact us to arrange an alternative payment method. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-12-reminder-following-a-phone-conversation">Template 12: Reminder Following a Phone Conversation</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Confirm a payment request made during a phone call.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: After discussing payment over the phone.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], as discussed, please arrange payment for invoice #[invoice number] of $[amount] by [date]. Thank you for your cooperation.</p>
<h2 id="template-13-reminder-for-multiple-unpaid-invoices">Template 13: Reminder for Multiple Unpaid Invoices</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Request payment for multiple overdue invoices.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When a client has several unpaid invoices.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], several invoices #[invoice numbers] totaling $[amount] remain unpaid. Please arrange payment at your earliest convenience. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-14-personalized-reminder-for-loyal-client">Template 14: Personalized Reminder for Loyal Client</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Maintain a positive relationship with a loyal client despite late payment.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use with long-term, regular clients.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], we value your loyalty. Invoice #[invoice number] is still pending. Please contact us if you need assistance with payment. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-15-reminder-for-early-payment-discount">Template 15: Reminder for Early Payment Discount</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Encourage early payment with a proposed incentive.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: To incentivize payment before a deadline.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], pay invoice #[invoice number] before [date] to enjoy [special offer]. Contact us for details. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-16-year-end-balance-reminder">Template 16: Year-End Balance Reminder</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Encourage payment to close the fiscal year.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: Use at the end of the fiscal year.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], please pay invoice #[invoice number] by year-end to close your accounts. Contact us if you have any questions. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-17-reminder-after-invoice-adjustment">Template 17: Reminder After Invoice Adjustment</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Inform about an invoice correction and request payment.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: After correcting an invoice error.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], invoice #[invoice number] has been adjusted to $[new amount]. Please arrange payment as soon as possible. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-18-friendly-reminder-after-payment-reminder">Template 18: Friendly Reminder After Payment Reminder</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Reiterate a payment reminder with a friendly tone.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: After an initial reminder went unanswered.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], we sent a reminder for invoice #[invoice number]. Please pay promptly or contact us for assistance. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-19-reminder-following-a-payment-extension-request">Template 19: Reminder Following a Payment Extension Request</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Confirm a granted payment extension in writing.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: After granting a payment deferral.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], as agreed, we've extended the payment deadline for invoice #[invoice number]. Please make payment by [new date]. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="template-20-reminder-for-installment-payment-plan">Template 20: Reminder for Installment Payment Plan</h2>
<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Remind clients of installment payment plan deadlines.</p>
<p><strong>Circumstances</strong>: When a payment plan is in place.</p>
<h3 id="sample-sms">Sample SMS</h3>
<p>Hi [Name], your next installment for invoice #[invoice number] is due on [date]. Please ensure timely payment. Thank you!</p>
<h2 id="faq">FAQ</h2>
<p><strong>1. Why use SMS for payment reminders?</strong><br>SMS is quick, direct, and often leads to better client responsiveness, increasing the likelihood of timely payment.</p>
<p><strong>2. When should a payment reminder SMS be sent?</strong><br>It's advisable to send a friendly SMS reminder the day after the due date, escalating reminders as necessary.</p>
<p><strong>3. What if the SMS reminder goes unanswered?</strong><br>If there's no response, consider other contact methods, such as email, phone calls, or registered mail, and possibly legal action.</p>
<p><strong>4. Is it legal to send payment reminders via SMS?</strong><br>Yes, but ensure the client has consented to receive SMS communications, and that the information respects privacy regulations.</p>
<p><strong>5. What should be included in a payment reminder SMS?</strong><br>Include the invoice number, the amount due, a payment deadline, and your contact information for questions or clarification.</p>
<p>These SMS templates will help you manage debt recovery effectively while maintaining good client relationships. Customize them as needed for optimal results.</p>
