Unpaid business invoices: how to react quickly and effectively

When is a bill considered unpaid?

An invoice becomes officially unpaid as soon as the legal or contractual deadline is exceeded.

Legal payment terms between professionals

The payment period between professionals is in principle 30 days after receipt of the goods or performance of the service.

It can be increased to 60 calendar days maximum or 45 days end of month if provided for in the contract.

The starting point: delivery or validated service

The period runs from actual delivery date or the performance of the service and not the invoice issue date.

Penalties and indemnities from the 1st day of delay

In the event of late payment :

• Late penalties are due automatically, at a rate of around 11,5 % in 2025 (ECB rate + 10 points)

• A lump-sum compensation from 40 € for collection costs may be added, without justification

What to do when a business customer doesn't pay?

Action must be taken as soon as the first days of delay to prevent the situation from becoming bogged down and the bill is forgotten.

Follow-up by e-mail, telephone or registered mail

Start with a reminder cordial but firm ideally by email or phone call .

If you don't get a reply, send a registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt specifying :

• The amount due

• Past the deadline

• Consequences of non-payment.

Check terms and conditions and proof of delivery

Before going any further, make sure the invoice is justified :

• Check the terms and conditions of sale accepted by the customer

• Make sure that the service has been provided or the delivered merchandise

• Keep everything purchase order, signed quotation or delivery note

Send a formal notice of default in due form

La formal notice is a formal step that can bring pressure to bear. It must :

• To be addressed by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt

• Resume invoice references the amount due and a deadline for regularization

• Mention the penalties provided for (interest on arrears, collection costs, legal action)

What recourse do I have if my bill remains unpaid?

If, despite your reminders, the bill remains unpaid, you have several options for recourse.

Amicable collection options

You can use a collection service provider to make more formal reminders, while remaining outside the legal framework.

This sometimes leads to a solution without damaging the commercial relationship .

The injunction to pay procedure (fast and inexpensive)

It's a legal procedure simple but effective :

• Filing a petition with the competent court (without a hearing)

• Low cost : Approximately €35 in court fees

• Average processing time : 1 to 3 months

• If the order is accepted, it becomes binding after 1 month

Final recourse to the courts

If the injunction fails, or in the event of a complex dispute, the traditional legal route remains (summons on the merits).

It is longer, more costly and often requires lawyer but can prove indispensable for significant receivables or repeated .

How long does it take to take action on an unpaid bill?

The time limit for taking action is not unlimited: in the event of late payment, it is essential to know your rights so you don't lose your claim .

Limitation period between professionals: 5 years

According to Article L110-4 of the French Commercial Code the limitation period between professionals is 5 years from the invoice due date. After this period, you lose any legal right to demand payment .

Cases where the deadline can be shortened or suspended

The deadline can be contract shortcut more never less than 1 year . It can also be suspendu in case of :

• Written acknowledgement of debt

• Request for payment order

• Ongoing negotiations (with written proof)

How to preserve evidence to avoid foreclosure

To secure your rights :

• Archivez invoices, signed quotations, purchase orders and delivery notes

• Keep the service reminder or validation emails

• Use a payment solution with complete history like Heropay, to centralize your proofs

How can we limit unpaid bills in the future?

Anticipation is better than suffering. Implementing a few good practices greatly reduces the risk of non-payment.

Require a deposit or payment on order

Demander and 30-50% deposit secures your cash flow and commits the customer. Visit full payment on order is also available for one-off services.

Clearly define payment terms in the contract

Clearly state in your General Terms and Conditions :

• Visit terms of payment (deadline, IBAN, penalties)

• Visit consequences of non-payment

• A clause of retention of title , yes applicable

Use a solution like Heropay to secure cash receipts

With Heropay you cash in via secure payment links in all currencies, with no hidden charges. You benefit from :

• From a clear tracking of payments

• From a fast collection on dedicated IBAN

• From a support proactif in the event of a dispute

How can Heropay help you avoid non-payment?

Heropay doesn't just simplify your collections: we help you to limit unpaid bills in concrete terms as soon as the invoice is issued.

Thanks to our secure payment links You can request immediate payment in any currency. Each payment is traceable and attached to a customer with an alert in case of delay.

With the IBANs multi-devises and the Visa pro card You can centralize your flows and reduce the number of transfer errors or missed payments. You can also set up automatic reminders and view all your cash receipts in real time in a single clear, structured dashboard .

Heropay It's the simple way to stop chasing your money.