3rd unpaid invoice reminder email: template and tips

When should I send a 3rd reminder for an unpaid bill?

Late payments are commonplace in B2B. In 2024, only one invoice in 4 is settled on time.

Given the potential risks to cash flow, companies must therefore optimize their collection process.

Preventive reminders, 1st, 2nd or even 3rd reminders - each stage must be carried out tactfully to recover the sums involved without damaging customer relations.

If your first two relances have remained without effect, it's time to send a 3rd reminder between 20 and 30 days after invoice due date . This timing allows you to show your consistency while giving the customer the opportunity to regularize his situation.

Maintaining a regular rhythm in your reminders is essential to avoid letting unpaid . The 3rd relaunch should not be sent too early, at the risk of being perceived as disproportionate, ni trop tard to avoid losing your credibility.

How to write an effective 3rd email reminder?

At this stage, your message must combine firmness, precision and respect . This is no longer a simple reminder: you are formalizing a serious situation and preparing the ground for a possible formal notice.

The right tone: firmer but still diplomatic

You need to mark a change in posture. The tone must be while remaining professional and non-aggressive.

Avoid threatening language, but make it clear that you're ready to take the next step. A good balance is to remind you of your previous reminders and to insist on the urgency of regularization.

At this stage, it is also useful to the possible consequences of non-payment. t (formal notice, legal recourse), without presenting them as a direct threat.

Show that you remain open to dialogue while asserting your demand for payment.

Essential information to include in your email

Before moving on to registered mail, your 3rd reminder should include :

• Le clear referencing invoice (number, date, amount incl. VAT)

• La initial maturity date and the two previous reminders

• Le exact balance due

• Un new clear deadline for payment (e.g. 5 working days)

• Visit available payment methods

• The warning that a formal notice could follow.

Email template for 3rd reminder for unpaid invoice

Here is an example of a ready-to-use email, to be adapted according to your activity and the relationship with your customer:

Subject: 3rd reminder - Unpaid invoice no. [XXX] - Last reminder before formal notice

"Hello [Customer name],

Despite our two previous reminders dated [dates], unless there is an error or omission on our part, we have still not received payment for invoice no. [XXX], amounting to [amount incl. VAT], due on [due date].

We ask you to make payment within 5 working days of receipt of this letter. After this period, we will be obliged to consider formal notice of default, or even collection proceedings if the situation persists.

You can pay the invoice by [accepted means of payment] using the details already provided. If you have already paid, please inform us immediately.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely, [Name / Position][Company][Full contact details]".

What should I do if the 3rd reminder goes unanswered?

If the customer doesn't respond despite three written reminders, it's time to legalize the process . There are two main options.

Moving on to formal notice

The formal notice is registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt which gives the debtor one last legal deadline before legal action.

This is a preliminary step, often mandatory, before initiating proceedings. It must be formal, dated, signed Clearly state the amounts due, the invoice number, the time allowed (usually 8 days) and the consequences of inaction.

Mention your previous reminders to support your approach.

This letter marks a turning point: it shows that you are ready to take legal action if the situation is not regularized quickly.

Consider a payment order procedure

If the formal notice remains unsuccessful, you can take your case to court with an injunction to pay.

It's a procedure simple, fast and inexpensive, adapted to uncontested debts. The petition must be filed with the competent court, accompanied by the following supporting documents:

• Facture

• Relances

• Formal notice

Once you have obtained your title, you can hire forced collection measures (seizure, bailiff) if the customer still does not pay.

Finance your bills with Heropay

Rather than suffer payment delays, opt for a proactive solution with Heropay . Thanks to invoice financing You turn your receivables into immediate cash flow.

Heropay advances you up to 90% of your invoices from the very first reminder, while managing the rest of the collection process in a professional manner.

This keeps you in touch with healthy business relationship with your customers, while securing your collections and cash flow. Heropay frees you from the stress of unpaid bills, so you can concentrate on developing your business.

The 3rd relaunch marks a decisive turning point in the follow-up of a unpaid invoice. It should reflect your seriousness, while giving the customer one last chance to resolve the situation amicably. A structured, clear and firm e-mail, accompanied by rigorous follow-up, strengthens your credibility and paves the way for legal action if necessary. And to avoid late payment, solutions like Hero enable you to benefit from an advance on your invoices and delegate collection management, while maintaining healthy commercial relations.