My client won't pay
What to do, step by step, from a polite nudge to small claims. Tell us how late the invoice is and we'll show where you are. Help, not legal advice: for large amounts, speak to a solicitor or lawyer.
Check it reached the person who pays
Most late invoices are stuck, not refused: sent to the wrong inbox, missing a PO number, or under the wrong company name.
Run the invoice health check →Send a friendly reminder
Assume it's an oversight. Keep it short, and include the amount, the invoice number and a way to pay.
Write a friendly reminder →Send a firm reminder, then callYou're here
Ask for a payment date, not just payment. A phone call often finds the real problem faster than another email.
Write a firm reminder →Work out what you can add
For a business client, the law lets you add statutory interest and a fixed recovery fee.
Work out late payment interest →Send a final demand letter
A formal letter before action: what's owed, by when, and what you'll do next. Give a clear deadline, usually 14 days, and keep a copy.
Write the letter →Go to small claims
In England and Wales you can make a claim online through the courts service (Money Claim Online). There's a court fee that depends on the amount. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own simple procedures.
Works in your browser. Close the tab and it's gone, unless you save it.
How it works
1 Say how late it is
And where you are, so the steps fit your country.
2 See where you are
From a polite nudge to a final demand to small claims.
3 Take the next step
With the message or letter for it.
Who it's for
- Freelancers with an invoice weeks overdue
- Anyone whose client has gone silent
- People wondering if small claims is worth it
- Anyone who wants to stay polite but firm
Questions
What can I do if a client won't pay?
Remind them, then send a firm reminder, then a final demand letter, and then consider small claims. The steps here are matched to how late it is.
Can I charge interest on a late invoice?
In the UK, businesses can usually claim statutory interest and a fixed fee. The steps say when it applies.