Late invoice follow-up for plumbers and cleaners
Residential clients often pay late not because they dispute the job — they forgot, lost the email, or meant to pay Friday. A calm, repeatable follow-up beats one angry text.
Why trades feel awkward chasing money
- You were in their home — the relationship feels personal.
- You do not want a bad review over a $200 invoice.
- Follow-up happens when you are tired, so tone slips.
A written schedule (“this is how our office handles open invoices”) removes that pressure.
Timing that works for service businesses
- 3 days before due — “Payment due on [date] for [job].”
- Due day — include card/ACH link if you have one.
- +3 days — “Checking in — invoice #[x] still open.”
- +7 days — firmer but polite; mention you may pause new bookings if policy requires.
- +14 days — last automated nudge before phone call.
Keep messages short
Plumbers and cleaners win with clarity: business name, invoice amount, due date, one pay link, no guilt trips. See ready-to-send templates.
Automate the schedule
PaidPulse runs the five emails and stops when you mark paid — $99 setup if you want it configured for you: book setup.