The five-step escalation sequence
Don't treat every overdue invoice the same way. Start soft, get progressively firmer, and let the timeline do the work. This is the sequence the Invoice Rescue tool automates.
2 days before due
The courtesy heads-up
Not chasing — a reminder. It puts the invoice top of mind and signals you're organised. Most late payments are simple oversight and stop here.
1–7 days overdue
Friendly reminder
Short, warm, assume good faith. Name the invoice number, amount and due date, and attach a payment link so there's no digging required.
2 weeks overdue
Firm follow-up with a named date
Reference your payment terms. Drop the casualness. Give a specific payment date, not "as soon as possible". If they respond with a dispute, pause and resolve that first.
3–4 weeks overdue
Phone call, then confirm in writing
When messages stop working, a two-minute call gets a commitment that three emails couldn't. Confirm whatever was agreed in writing the same day.
30+ days overdue
Letter of demand — then decide
A formal written notice that payment is required and recovery may follow. Send it by post, not email. After this you weigh the amount owed against the cost of chasing: recover, arrange a plan, or write it off.
The tool does this part for you
Three questions in, a full recovery plan out. Everything stays on your device.
Your next step, named
One recommendation based on how overdue it is, what you've already tried, and whether the relationship survives.
The message, ready to send
Copy-ready wording for every stage above. Fill in your details once and every message fills itself.
The whole path, visible
Your current step is marked. If it doesn't work, move to the next without starting over.
Payment message templates
Short, copy-ready lines for the payment moments the main sequence doesn't cover.
Dispute handling
If they're disputing rather than dodging, the tool pauses the chase and routes you to resolve it first.
Nothing is saved or sent
Runs entirely in your browser. Your client's details never leave your computer.
Five things that stop it happening again
Most overdue invoices trace back to a slow or unclear start, not a difficult client.
Invoice the moment the work is done
The longer you wait to send it, the longer you wait to be paid. Same-day invoicing is the single highest-leverage change.
Put your terms on every invoice
State the due date and how to pay, in writing, so there's nothing to argue about later.
Make paying a single tap
Add a payment link. No friction, no excuse to delay, no "can you resend your bank details".
Turn on automatic reminders
Let the system chase before an invoice goes cold. Steps 1 and 2 above should never need a human.
Take a deposit on larger jobs
Get part of the money up front so you're never fully exposed on a big piece of work.
Sole does all five
Invoice from your phone the moment you finish, payment link built in, automatic reminders, deposits.
Get the Invoice Rescue tool
Free. We'll email the download link straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
How long can you chase an unpaid invoice in Australia?
Each state has its own limitation period governing how long you have to recover a debt. Maintaining contact with the debtor matters — if there’s been no contact for years, you may lose the ability to collect.
Can I charge interest on an overdue invoice?
Only if it was specified in your original quote or contract terms. You can’t add it on a whim after the fact. For consumer work it needs to be stated clearly up front.
What's the cheapest way to recover an unpaid invoice?
Send a formal letter of demand first. If that doesn’t work, your state’s small claims tribunal is cheaper and faster than court for smaller amounts.
Is a debt collector worth it?
For larger or commercial debts, often yes — they’re faster than court. They typically take 10–25% commission, and the client relationship won’t survive it. For small residential debts a tribunal is usually better value.
Is any of this legal advice?
No. This is general information. For a specific dispute, speak to a legal professional. The ASBFEO also runs a free dispute support service for small business.
Does my client's information get uploaded anywhere?
No. The tool runs in your browser. Nothing you type is saved or transmitted.