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3ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

3ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder templates: copy and paste examples

Temps de lecture : 5 minutes

Is a customer not responding to your e-mails or reminders? The 3ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder is often the last step before more formal action. Well written, it can be enough to unblock the situation without litigation.

Here's what you need to know about 3ᵉ unpaid invoice reminder :

  • Send it about 7 days after the 2ᵉ recall if there is no response or if promises have not been kept.

  • This reminder paves the way for a formal notice it must be traceable and structured .

  • Specify dates of previous reminders the amount due and the invoice reference .

  • Adopt a firmer tone Show that you're ready to act without being threatening.

  • Mention the legal penalties and the flat-rate indemnity of €40 .

  • Fixez un final clear deadline (e.g. 5 working days) to resolve the situation.

  • If no answer, go to a formal notice (registered mail).

  • If necessary, hire a order for payment via the court: fast, inexpensive.

  • L' huissier is required to notify the order. L' lawyer is optional unless otherwise agreed.

  • With Hero you can finance your invoices from the very first reminder and keep control of your payments.

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When should I send a 3ᵉ reminder?

Sending the 3ᵉ reminder is recommended about 7 days after the second If you have not received a reply or if your commitments have not been honored.

This recall marks a turning point: it paves the way for a new formal notice or even legal proceedings. It must therefore be firm, structured and traceable .

Depending on the context, you can send it by e-mail with acknowledgement of receipt or, better still registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt . This format gives you legal proof, useful in the event of litigation.

What should a 3ᵉ good reminder contain?

This last reminder should mark a pre-contentious stage while remaining factual and professional:

A summary of previous reminders

Clearly indicate the dates and means of dispatch of the two previous reminders to show your seriousness.

A clear reminder of sums due

Indicate exact amount, original due date and invoice reference

A firmer tone: a non-threatening warning

You can express your disappointment or firmness, but without aggression.

Example: "Despite our previous unanswered reminders, we would like to inform you that this situation could lead to the opening of collection proceedings."

Mention of penalties and the possibility of formal notice

Recall the late fees (legal rate + 10 points) and the €40 allowance . Indicate that if payment is not received within X days, formal notice will be sent.

First 3ᵉ dunning model for a regular or trusted customer

Here is the first 3ᵉ relaunch model :

Subject: 3ᵉ dunning - Invoice n°12345 pending

"Hello [First name],

In the absence of error or omission on our part, invoice no. 12345 in the amount of € [amount], which fell due on [date], remains unpaid.

We have already contacted you on [date] and [date] on this subject, with no response from you.

We wish to avoid any inconvenience and invite you to regularize the situation within 7 days. After this period, late payment penalties will be applied in accordance with the GTC, as well as a fixed indemnity of €40 for collection costs.

We're always ready to listen.

Best regards,
[Name / Company]"

Second 3ᵉ dunning model for a customer at risk or in bad faith

This is the second 3ᵉ relaunch model :

Subject: Last reminder before formal notice - Unpaid invoice no. 12345

"Hello [First name],

Despite our reminders of [dates], we note that no payment has been made for invoice no. 12345 in the amount of €[amount], due on [date].

We will send you formal notice to pay within 5 working days. Should you fail to do so, we reserve the right to initiate collection proceedings, including :

  • Late payment penalties (ECB rate + 10 points)

  • Flat-rate compensation of €40

  • Any collection costs

Please treat this message with the utmost care.

Best regards,
[Name / Company]"

What happens if the 3ᵉ recall doesn't work?

If you get no response, it's time to move on to the legal stage

Letter of formal notice: when and how to send it

Send it by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. It must state the amount owed, the origin of the debt and grant a repayment period. final payment deadline (usually 8 to 15 days) .

Payment orders: procedure, costs, deadlines

The procedure is free or low-cost (30 to 40 € on average) if you go through the registry. Count on 1 to 3 months to obtain a court order. If the amount is clear, undisputed and you have solid evidence, this is the preferred option.

Should I call in a bailiff or a lawyer?

A bailiff is required for serve the order once obtained. A lawyer is not required unless the customer contests. For simple claims, go directly to a collection service or bailiff .

Hero helps you avoid repeated reminders

With Hero you can anticipate late payments instead of being subjected to them. The platform allows you to :

  • Financing your bills from the very first reminder

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

  • Track in real time your payments and have a unlimited access to historical data

  • Centralize your receipts so you don't forget anything and act faster

The result: less stress, more available cash, and decisions made at the right time.

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Écrit par

Valentin Orru

Head of growth

08/07/2025