How do I remind people to pay an invoice?
Key Facts
- SMBs spend at least 4 hours weekly chasing overdue invoices, totaling over 200 hours annually.
- More than one-quarter of UK SMBs are owed up to £20,000 in overdue payments.
- 36% of SMB payments arrive late each month, disrupting cash flow and operations.
- Only 39% of SMBs have largely automated their ad hoc payment processes.
- 60% of SMBs cite ineffective cash flow management as their biggest financial challenge.
- 46% of SMBs without AR automation report delinquent payments as their top concern.
- Automated invoice reminders are triggered at 10, 20, and 30 days overdue in AI-powered systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop spending so much time chasing late payments?
SMBs spend at least 4 hours weekly on manual follow-ups, totaling over 200 hours a year. Automating reminders with AI can eliminate this burden by sending scheduled, multichannel messages at 10, 20, and 30 days overdue.
Are automated invoice reminders really more effective than sending emails myself?
Yes—automated systems reduce human error, ensure consistent timing, and can escalate based on rules (e.g., for balances over $50,000), which improves collection efficiency and frees your team for strategic work.
What’s the best way to remind a client without damaging the relationship?
Use polite, professional, and automated reminders that go out on a schedule before and after due dates. AI-powered systems can personalize tone and channel—email, SMS, or call—to maintain rapport while staying persistent.
Can I integrate automated invoice reminders with my existing accounting software?
Yes—custom AI solutions can connect via deep two-way APIs to platforms like NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle, ensuring seamless data flow without the brittle integrations common in off-the-shelf tools.
Why shouldn’t I just use a cheap or free invoicing tool with reminders?
Off-the-shelf tools often lack customization, have weak integrations, and create dependency on subscriptions. A custom-built AI system gives you full ownership, scalability, and context-aware automation tailored to your workflow.
How do I handle clients who consistently pay late?
Set up smart escalation rules in your system—like flagging repeat offenders or triggering manager alerts—and use historical data to predict and pre-empt delays, focusing efforts where they’re most needed.