Small Bot Fix Templates Client ghosted after delivery
What to say when a client ghosts you after delivery
You delivered the work, sent the invoice, and then heard nothing. Silence doesn't always mean they won't pay. Often the invoice is stuck with someone else, or your contact is busy or away. These emails make replying as easy as possible.
Fill it in for me Opens the free tool in the friendly tone with the day 7 follow-up picked, which asks when you can expect payment. No sign-up.
The templates
Words in [square brackets] are for you to fill in.
Subject: Quick check on [project] and invoice #[invoice number]
Hi [client name], I hope [project] is working well for you. I haven't heard back about invoice #[invoice number] for [amount], which was due on [due date], so I wanted to check it reached you. You can pay here: [pay link] If anything about the work or the invoice isn't right, just reply and tell me. Even a one-line answer helps. Thanks, [your name]
Subject: Invoice #[invoice number]: a quick yes or no?
Hi [client name], Could you reply with a quick yes or no: has invoice #[invoice number] for [amount] been scheduled for payment? If it's been passed to someone else, a name or email address is all I need, and I'll follow up with them directly. Here's the pay link, in case it's handy: [pay link] Thanks, [your name]
Tips
- Keep it about the invoice, not about them. "I haven't heard back" works better than "You've been ignoring me".
- Ask something that takes seconds to answer. A yes-or-no question is easier to reply to than an open one.
- Try another route: the person who pays invoices, a phone call, or a short message wherever you usually talk.
- Hold off on new work until this invoice is settled, and say so only when you mean it.
- Still nothing after two check-ins? Move on to the day 14 reminder and day 30 final notice.
Quick answers
What should I say when a client stops replying after delivery?
Send a short, friendly check-in that names the invoice, the amount and the due date, includes a pay link, and asks for a one-line reply. A yes-or-no question makes replying quick.
How long should I wait before following up?
Small Bot Fix suggests a first reminder 3 days after the due date and a follow-up at day 7. If there is still no answer, send the day 14 reminder and then the day 30 final notice.
More reminder templates
- Friendly payment reminder (day 3)
- Firm payment reminder (day 7)
- Final notice for an unpaid invoice (day 30)
- Polite payment reminder for freelancers
- Invoice 60 days overdue email
Not sure where to start? Read how to chase a late invoice, a short checklist.