# Write a firm but friendly collections sequence for overdue invoices

Creates escalating reminder emails and a call script based on the aging of each overdue customer account.

- Topic: Finance & Accounting
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Finance, Legal, Write, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-a-firm-but-friendly-collections-sequence-for-overdue-invoices

## Prompt

```text
Help me chase overdue customer invoices.

**Overdue accounts:** [PASTE - customer, invoice numbers, amounts, due dates, days past due, any notes]
**Our payment terms and late-fee policy:** [e.g. "net 30, 1.5% monthly late fee per contract"]
**Relationship context:** [e.g. "key account", "new customer", "has disputed before"]
**Payment options we accept:** [ACH, card, check, payment link]
**Who signs the emails:** [NAME and role]

Write a sequence:
1. Day 1-15 past due: friendly reminder, assumes oversight, invoice details and payment link.
2. Day 30: direct follow-up, asks whether there's a problem with the invoice, requests a payment date.
3. Day 45-60: firm notice, mentions late fees or credit hold only if our terms allow it.
4. Day 90: final notice before escalation (collections agency or legal review) - only if that's a step we actually take.

Also give me:
- A 60-second phone script for the day-30 call, including how to handle "it's in the approval queue" and "we never received it".
- A short reply template for proposing a payment plan.
- A priority list: which accounts to chase first, by amount and age.

Rules: professional and factual, no threats we won't follow through on, no shaming. Before referencing legal action or charging fees, confirm it's allowed by our contract and local law.
```

## What to fill in

- e.g. "net 30, 1.5% monthly late fee per contract"
- e.g. "key account", "new customer", "has disputed before"
- ACH, card, check, payment link
- NAME and role

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