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4ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

4ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

Temps de lecture : 1 minutes

The 4ᵉ reminder of an unpaid invoice often marks the last attempt before litigation. By this stage, your customer has ignored all previous reminders. It's time to adopt a firmer tone, while remaining professional.

Here's what you need to know about the 4ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder:

  • Le 4ᵉ reminder comes into play when all previous reminders have failed

  • It is usually sent 5 to 10 days after 3ᵉ recall, except in emergencies

  • At this stage, a ton ferme but always professional

  • Remember to call back amount due the reference of the invoice and its due date

  • List the previous reminders and means used (mail, phone...)

  • Mention the late fees and the €40 flat-rate indemnity

  • Give a last payment deadline often between 5 and 7 days

  • Specify that in the absence of regulations, a formal notice will be sent

  • The article proposes two templates to copy according to customer profile

  • And if you want to avoid that, Hero automate your reminders and secure your payments

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When to send a 4ᵉ unpaid bill reminder?

Send this reminder if your customer stays totally silent after 3 reminders at intervals over several weeks, or if systematically postpones payment without clear justification.

Ce reminder allows formalize a final warning before resorting to formal notice or legal proceedings.

In terms of time, you can send the 4th reminder 5 to 10 days after the 3ᵉ reminder, unless the situation is urgent (high amount, end of accounting year, etc.).

Choose registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt but a e-mail with acknowledgement of receipt may be sufficient for small amounts.

How to structure a final reminder before a formal notice?

A 4ᵉ reminder should be firm, clear and structured without unnecessary aggression. You must :

  • Remind us of the amount due the invoice reference and its due date

  • List previous reminders (dates, channels used)

  • Mention late penalties (legal or contractual rate)

  • Indicate a final deadline payment terms (e.g. 7 days)

  • Warn of impending formal notice if payment is not made

This type of message is often a useful preamble legal action, in particular to show your good faith if the case is taken to court.

Model for a usually reliable but late customer

Here is a first model of the 4th relaunch:

Subject: Last reminder before formal notice - Invoice [ref. XXXX]].

"Hello [Name],

Despite our previous unanswered reminders, we note that the invoice [ref. XXXX] in the amount of [XXX €], due on [date], remains unpaid.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, this delay is starting to affect our cash flow.

We therefore ask you to pay within 7 days of this message. After this deadline, we will be forced to consider a formal notice.

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

Best regards,
[Name / Company name]"

Model for a customer at risk or in bad faith

Here is a 2nd model of 4eme relance :

Subject: Last warning before formal notice - Invoice [ref. XXXX]].

"[Nom],

To date, we have sent you three reminders concerning invoice [ref. XXXX] in the amount of [XXX €], due on [date]. No payment or return from you has been recorded.

In accordance with our general terms and conditions late fees as well as a flat-rate indemnity of €40 are now applicable.

In the event of non-payment within 5 days, we will forward your file to our collections department and initiate legal proceedings. formal notice procedure without further notice.

This is our final friendly reminder .

Best regards,
[Name / Company name]"

Hero: avoid getting to the 4ᵉ reminder

With Hero By automating your reminders and taking action earlier, you greatly reduce the risk of non-payment.

Hero lets you :

  • Quickly view your overdue invoices

  • Schedule automatic reminders by e-mail or post

  • Financing your bills

  • Launch a formal notice with one click without an outside firm

By acting at the very first warning, you avoid escalation and secure your cash flow.

Open a free account

Écrit par

Valentin Orru

Head of growth

09/07/2025