{"id":4018,"date":"2018-03-23T16:32:43","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T16:32:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=4018"},"modified":"2026-08-13T16:22:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T15:22:03","slug":"recover-unpaid-invoice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/recover-unpaid-invoice\/","title":{"rendered":"How to recover an unpaid invoice"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to recover an unpaid invoice\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2018-03-23T16:32:43+00:00\">23 March, 2018<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to recover an unpaid invoice\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/recover-unpaid-invoice\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/staceymcintosh\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/11\/Stacey-McIntosh-350-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Stacey McIntosh<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1528\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-header.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4024\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chasing payments for overdue invoices can drain your energy and time away from running your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your best strategy against late payments is to either use a solution where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\">payments are taken directly from your invoices<\/a> or ensure your invoices are well-formatted \u2013 follow our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/invoice-cheat-sheet\/\">producing invoices so that you get paid on time<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For all our efforts, at times there will always be a client or customer who either doesn\u2019t have the funds to pay or uses a tactic of delaying payments to manage their own cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always remember that dealing with customers also involves good judgment and if you have a five-year relationship with a client and suddenly they don\u2019t pay, then take the time to understand what is going on before jumping in with payment demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, if you haven\u2019t been paid on a late invoice then you do need to act swiftly. Follow our guide below which explains how to recover overdue invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-2cce109c-a140-4a22-b1b3-529220aee136\">Download your free copy of The Domino Effect: The impact of late payments<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-to-do-when-your-invoice-hasn-t-been-paid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to do when your invoice hasn&#8217;t been paid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"2953\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-flowchart-1.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4031\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Download a copy of this chart at the end of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-before-you-begin-to-recover-an-unpaid-invoice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before you begin to recover an unpaid invoice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incorrect information on an invoice can cause dispute and delays during recovery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check your details and facts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the invoice date and payment amounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the customer\u2019s details (name, trading name and address) are correct<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use companies house to search the company name<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do proceed to court recovery then you will need to prove that you followed a fair process so keep a record of all correspondence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-note-phone-call-times-and-dates-and-the-person-you-spoke-to\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Note phone call times and dates and the person you spoke to<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summarise what was said and send a copy to the person you spoke to offering them opportunity to dispute what was agreed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a small business, you have protection and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers\/payment-obligations\">government guidelines<\/a> stipulate that a customer must pay you within 30 days of receipt of your goods\/service, unless you agreed other payment terms. Anything agreed for longer than 60 days must be fair to both businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-8810fa04-701e-460a-b37c-e767f5a74c18\">Download your free copy of The Art of Being Paid<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-01.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4025\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-invoice-is-submitted-on-1-april-with-30-day-net-invoice-payment-terms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invoice is submitted on 1 April with 30 day net invoice payment terms.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-30-days-on-30-april-payment-is-due\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 30 days, on 30 April, payment is due.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-two-days-send-an-email-reminder\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After two days, send an email reminder.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-02.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4026\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure you\u2019re speaking to the right person and get a contact name for accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer a friendly reminder and ask directly if they received the original invoice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attach a copy of the original invoice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email date: 2&nbsp;May 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email subject: Invoice reminder<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi [customer],<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope you are well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reminder to let you know that your invoice dated<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1 April 2018 is due for payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve attached a copy for your convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kind regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Your name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-03.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4027\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-7-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 7 days:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-another-email-reminder\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send another email reminder.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be friendly and ask directly if there is any reason it hasn\u2019t been paid because of an issue with amounts\/services outlined in the invoice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email date: 9&nbsp;May 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Email subject: Invoice reminder, follow up<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi [customer]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following on from my email dated 2&nbsp;May, I wanted to<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">remind you that payment is overdue on our invoice dated<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1 April 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you let me know if there is any issue with the invoice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">that you would like to raise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kind regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Your name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-04.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4028\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-24-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 24 hours:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-make-a-phone-call\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make a phone call.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be friendly, and ask directly if they received the previous two emails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask directly when payment will be made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Date of phone call: 10&nbsp;May 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hello [customer name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hope you are well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m calling about our invoice dated 1&nbsp;April 2018. Did you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">receive our email yesterday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are there any issues with the invoice that you want to raise?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can confirm that you agree with the amount?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you let me know when you think you can make the<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">payment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks [customer name], much appreciated. Bye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summarise what was said and send an immediate email as a record so that they have the option to dispute what was said and agreed within the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-05.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4029\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-7-days-0\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 7 days:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-another-phone-call\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Another phone call.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be fair and reasonable and ask directly why payment has not been made.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask when payment is going to be made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Date of phone call: 17&nbsp;May 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Hello [customer name]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>How are things with you?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I\u2019m calling to follow up about our invoice dated 1&nbsp;April 2018 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>and our call last week.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Is there any reason why the invoice hasn\u2019t been paid?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Can you agree to make the payment by [insert a date 5 days <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>from now] 22&nbsp;May?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Thank you [customer name]. Bye.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summarise what was said and send an immediate email as a record so that they have the option to dispute what was said and agreed within the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-06.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4030\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-7-days-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 7 days:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-a-formal-letter-from-your-business\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send a formal letter from your business.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outline that interest is being applied to the debt and accruing and that the sooner they pay the invoice the less they will have to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Date of letter: 24&nbsp;May 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear [customer name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m writing to you regarding our invoice dated 1&nbsp;April 2018,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">for the sum of \u00a31,000 for brochure design services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I sent reminders to you by email on 2&nbsp;May and 9<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May. I have also spoken to you on the phone on 10&nbsp;May<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and 17&nbsp;May to ask if there are any issues with the<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">invoice and if there is any reason why it has not been paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You agreed to pay the invoice by 22&nbsp;May [or the date agreed].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have not disputed the invoice nor have you disputed the<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">amount payable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are entitled to charge interest on any overdue amounts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and this will now accrue at a rate of \u00a30.23 per day from the<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">date that payment was due until it is settled in full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The total amount payable as of today is \u00a31,005.52.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please make payment in full immediately to avoid any further action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[Your name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-charge-interest-on-a-late-commercial-payment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Charge interest on a late commercial payment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery\/charging-interest-commercial-debt\">government legislation<\/a>, you can claim interest for your invoice debt at 8% above base rate, applied from the date the debt became due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-to-calculate-the-daily-rate-of-interest-being-accrued\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>To calculate the daily rate of interest being accrued:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Work out the annual interest:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[The amount you are claiming] x [8 + current base rate \/ 100]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a31,000 x 0.085 = \u00a385 per year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Work out the daily interest:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[yearly interest] \/ 365<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">85 \/ 365 <strong>= 0.23p per day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For an invoice overdue by 30 days this would be: \u00a36.90<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-07.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4019\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-after-14-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After 14 days:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-a-solicitor-s-warning-letter-or-another-formal-letter-directly-from-yourself-that-includes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send a solicitor\u2019s warning letter OR another formal letter directly from yourself that includes:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The date of the original invoice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much they owe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What the invoice was for<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The contact name of the person that agreed to the work or approved the goods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your payment terms agreed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a final request for payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inform the customer that you will be issuing a statutory demand OR proceeding to Court and filing a claim against them for the amount overdue plus any interest if they do not make payment within 7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you can prove the letter was received by using a signed for delivery service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seek legal advice on how to structure this letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1530\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-clock-08.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4020\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this stage it\u2019s assumed that the relationship between your client\/customer and yourself is at a non-recoverable stage and unlikely to result in more business from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do continue to work with them after this process, it\u2019s advised that payment terms revert to all invoices being paid in advance (PIA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"video-container-wrap -mode-full\"><div class=\"video-container\"><video\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"sage-video video-js vjs-default-skin \"\n\t\t\t\twidth=\"640\"\n\t\t\t\theight=\"360\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-setup='{ \"controls\": true, \"aspectRatio\" : \"16:9\", \"poster\": \"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/Y162zJK1Cxc\/maxresdefault.jpg\", \"techOrder\": [\"youtube\"], \"enablejsapi\": 1, \"origin\": \"https:\/\/www.sage.com\", \"sources\": [{ \"type\": \"video\/youtube\", \"src\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Y162zJK1Cxc\"}], \"youtube\": { \"ytControls\": 0, \"cc_load_policy\": 3, \"modestbranding\": 1, \"hl\": \"en_GB\", \"playsinline\": 1 } }'\n\t\t\t\tcrossorigin=\"\"><\/video><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-three-options-for-debt-recovery-for-a-small-business-or-individual\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The three options for debt recovery for a small business or individual<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-mediation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mediation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the first stage of any dispute and fall out it\u2019s always best to try and recover the situation by using a mediation approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sitting down together in a room and talking may uncover simple miscommunication or misunderstanding. Or, even embarrassment on the customer\u2019s part for a situation that has spiralled out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potentially a cheaper cost than starting legal proceedings, mediation is a small fee and may help recover your unpaid debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find a list of mediators and fees in your local area with <a href=\"http:\/\/civilmediation.justice.gov.uk\/\">the online directory from the Ministry of Justice here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-send-a-statutory-demand\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Send a statutory demand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A formal letter that demands for payment will get the attention of your client who hasn\u2019t paid their bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The customer then has 21 days to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the letter is ignored or they don\u2019t pay you can apply to a court to make them bankrupt (debts over \u00a35,000) or have their company wound up (debts over \u00a3750).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can issue the letter yourself but you must understand the strict criteria to have it upheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process and forms are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/statutory-demands\/how-to-serve-a-statutory-demand\">clearly outlined here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise seeking legal advice on how best to structure a statutory demand letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-court-action\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Court action<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the invoice hasn\u2019t been disputed at any stage in your communication you can take court action. There is a simple online process for making claims under \u00a3100,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before claiming, be sure that you can prove there has been enough communication between yourself and your customer so that they understand what your claim is for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The official protocol from the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.justice.gov.uk\/courts\/procedure-rules\/civil\/rules\/pd_pre-action_conduct\">Justice Department<\/a> states that both parties have exchanged sufficient information to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(a) understand each other\u2019s position;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(b) make decisions about how to proceed;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(c) try to settle the issues without proceedings;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(d) consider a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to assist with settlement;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(e) support the efficient management of those proceedings; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(f) reduce the costs of resolving the dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find a comprehensive guide for making a claim here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be required to attend court if your customer disputes the claim so ensure that you follow all the stages outlined in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/639667\/MCOL_Userguide_for_Claimants_August_2017.pdf\">guide for claimants here<\/a> and that all information is correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An incorrect name or address on an invoice can be enough to have a claim halted with you needing to reapply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can submit your claim <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneyclaim.gov.uk\/web\/mcol\/welcome\">here at Money Claim Online.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have filed your claim your customer has 14 days to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1528\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/03\/SAGE-not-paid-footer-graphic.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4023\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-employ-a-debt-collection-or-purchase-agency\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Employ a debt collection or purchase agency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a last resort, you can sell the debt to a specialist agency to recover a percentage of the invoice. Although, this could only be pennies on the pound. You can add the cost of the debt recovery to your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By using a third-party service, this does mean that any relationship with your customer will most likely be irretrievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do approach a third party to recover the debt remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only employ a reputable firm as they are representing your name and brand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for references and follow them up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do NOT pay upfront or registration fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only agree a no-collection-no-fee basis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask for their terms and conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only use an agency that is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not employ anyone where you suspect a use of \u2018heavy tactics\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting paid on time can be as simple as making sure the content and layout of your invoices is clear and includes all the necessary information. Read our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/invoice-cheat-sheet\/\">what to include on your invoice<\/a>&nbsp;and make sure that you get paid without hassle every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a handy reference guide you can download a copy of the &#8220;What to do when your invoice hasn&#8217;t been paid&#8221; flowchart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-e4009d0d-ced1-4734-900d-90b97f2acc74\">Download your free copy of the flowchart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help manage your time better you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\">accounting software<\/a> which can send professional invoices for you as you process orders instead of the time-consuming process of manually completing and sending your invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaving you more time to focus on what you do best: build your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Professional invoice templates<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Getting paid on time is vital.\u00a0Download our set of professional, VAT invoice templates to make sure you make a good impression and get paid faster.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ba177a0f-df1c-4227-8ec9-8f1bd3e34d90\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get the invoice templates<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t13,471 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/invoice-templatesCTA2.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"invoice templates\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/invoice-templatesCTA2.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/make-receive-payments\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMaking and receiving payments\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-4230 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-cash-flow tag-grow-business tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Working remotely\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-554994217_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-07T15:05:09+01:00\">7 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/get-paid-faster\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to get paid faster: Practical tips for small businesses\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tGet paid faster by setting clear payment terms early on, invoicing promptly, and making payment as easy as possible. Enable online payment and use automation and you can better protect cash flow and make follow-up more consistent.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-3241 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-cash-flow tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/late-payments-get-paid-faster\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1146164056-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Woman applying for business credit line\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1146164056-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1146164056-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1146164056-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-04T14:28:12+01:00\">4 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tLate payments: How to get clients to pay on time\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30422 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates tag-accessibility tag-business-finances tag-finance tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/quote-template\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-03T10:01:16+01:00\">3 August, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">16 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to write a business quote (free quote template to download now)\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-30483 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-people-leadership category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-business-performance tag-business-support tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-make-receive-payments tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-payments tag-performance-management business_type-small-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-hidden-hours-behind-late-payments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-19T11:24:18+01:00\">19 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe hidden hours behind late payments\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-1043 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-cash-flow tag-crowdfunding business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/a-business-guide-to-borrowing-money\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T13:25:08+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tA business owner&#8217;s guide to borrowing money\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chasing payments for overdue invoices can drain your energy and time away from running your business. Your best strategy against late payments is to either use a solution where payments are taken directly from your invoices or ensure your invoices are well-formatted \u2013 follow our guide to producing invoices so that you get paid on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":346,"featured_media":3805,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":true,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[]","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"6","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[24,25],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[77,109],"coauthors":[353],"class_list":["post-4018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-cash-flow","tag-make-receive-payments","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Stacey McIntosh","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/02\/GettyImages-627472163_super.jpg","imagine_tags":{"77":"Accounting software","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/346"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4018"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32038,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4018\/revisions\/32038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=4018"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=4018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}