Firm Follow-ups
Second Payment Reminder Email Template
Follow up on a payment that remains unpaid after the first reminder.
When to use this template
A payment is still overdue after my first reminder and I need to follow up more firmly.
Example subject line
Second Reminder: Invoice #1047 Now 15 Days Overdue — Immediate Attention Needed
Tips for writing this email
- Reference your first reminder by date so the recipient knows this is a follow-up, not a duplicate
- State the total amount owed including any applicable late fees outlined in your contract
- Set a specific payment deadline — for example, within 5 business days of this email
- Mention the next step you will take if payment is not received, such as pausing services
What to avoid
- Avoid repeating the exact same email as the first reminder — escalate the tone slightly
- Do not make threats you are not prepared to follow through on
- Avoid being apologetic about asking for money you are owed — you provided a service
- Do not CC unnecessary people on the second reminder — keep it between you and the decision-maker
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Generate This EmailFrequently Asked Questions
What should a second payment reminder include that the first did not?
Reference the date of your first reminder, state any applicable late fees from your contract, set a specific payment deadline, and mention the next step you will take if payment is not received, such as pausing services.
When should I escalate from a friendly reminder to a firm payment demand?
Escalate after your first reminder goes unanswered for 5 to 7 business days. The second reminder should be noticeably firmer in tone while remaining professional and factual.
Can I charge late fees if they were not in the original contract?
Generally no. Late fees must be outlined in your contract or terms of service to be enforceable. If your agreement does not include late fee provisions, you can mention pausing services or future work instead.
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