Apple Pay is now live on your Hero cards

Apple Pay is now live on your Hero cards

Blog

2ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

2ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

Temps de lecture : 5 minutes

If your first message has had no effect, it's time to move on to the 2ᵉ reminder. At this stage, the objective is clear: firmly remind the debt, while maintaining professional communication. Here are best practices and two templates to copy and paste.

Here's what you need to know about 2ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder :

  • To send within 7 to 10 days after the 1st booster, without waiting too long.

  • Recall the key infos amount, due date, reference, date of 1st message.

  • Use a firm but professional tone to remain credible without cutting off dialogue.

  • Mention the late fees and the flat-rate indemnity of €40 provided for by law.

  • Adapt the message to the customer's profile: more flexible with a good payer, firmer with a high-risk customer.

  • If no answer, go to a 3ᵉ relance or directly to formal notice .

  • L' order for payment is a simple and inexpensive way to assert your rights.

  • In the event of a large claim or lack of time, a collection professional can take care of it.

  • Hero allows you to finance your outstanding invoices and keep your fluid cash flow even if the customer delays.

  • You benefit from clear tracking of payments and better chances of recovering your funds quickly .

Open a free account

When to send a 2ᵉ reminder for an unpaid bill?

Send the 2ᵉ reminder if you haven't no response within 7 to 10 days after the first reminder. Waiting too long weakens your credibility and reduces your chances of recovery.

Between the first and second reminder, let it pass. about 7 days . This shows that you're giving dialogue a chance, without dragging it out.

You can send the reminder by email initially, but if the customer remains silent or the amount involved is large, prefer registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt . This is useful legal proof if you need to go to court.

What a good 2ᵉ dunning letter should contain

In a second reminder, you must accurately recall key information .

  • Le amount due and invoice reference

  • La due date outdated

  • Date of first reminder if already sent

  • La initial maturity date of the invoice

  • An explicit request from payment as soon as possible

Adopt a firm but respectful tone . You'll point out a shortcoming, but you'll remain open to a rapid rectification. Too much harshness can block dialogue, too much gentleness reduces your credibility.

Add the late payment penalties they are automatic if you have specified a payment deadline on the invoice. Please also mention the €40 flat-rate indemnity for collection costs, as provided for in article D441-5 of the French Commercial Code .

Model 1 for regular or trusted customers

Here is a first 2nd relaunch model :

Subject: 2ᵉ dunning - Invoice [reference] expired

"Hello [Name],

Unless we are mistaken, invoice [reference] in the amount of € [amount], which fell due on [date], remains unpaid.

We understand that an oversight is always possible, and thank you for rectifying the situation as soon as possible.

In the absence of prompt payment late fees and the €40 flat-rate indemnity will be applied in accordance with our general terms and conditions.

Please confirm receipt of this message.

Best regards,
[Name / Company]"

Model 2 for a customer at risk or in bad faith

Here is a 2nd model:

Subject: 2ᵉ dunning before procedure - Unpaid invoice [reference].

"Hello [Name],

Despite a first reminder, invoice [reference] for €[amount], due on [date], has not been paid.

In the absence of payment within 5 days, we will be obliged to initiate collection proceedings with the application of legal penalties and lump-sum compensation 40 for collection costs.

We invite you to regularize the situation immediately to avoid any dispute.

Best regards,
[Name / Company]"

What if the 2ᵉ reminder goes unanswered?

A persistent silence after the 2ᵉ reminder imposes to speed up the procedure .

3ᵉ reminder or formal notice?

You can send a 3ᵉ relance if you still want to spare the relationship. Otherwise, go straight to the formal notice by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

Injunction to pay: conditions and procedure

If the customer still doesn't pay you can contact the competent court with a request for payment order .

This simple procedure costs about 35 € (without a lawyer) and is filed online at Tribunal Digital.

When should you call in a collection professional?

If you don't have enough time or if the sum is large, you can delegate it to a specialist. huissier or a collection company . Please note that you will be liable for certain costs if the procedure is unsuccessful.

How Hero can speed up your dunning payments

Even after several reminders, some payments can drag on. With Hero you don't get stuck: you can finance your invoices .

Hero also helps you :

  • Earn up to 5% on your cash flow the first two months

  • Track your payments with unlimited access to your history

  • Centralize your receipts to avoid forgetting

Result: you get your money back faster even if your customers are slow to pay.

Open a free account

Écrit par

Valentin Orru

Head of growth

07/07/2025