Write a Polite-but-Firm Late Payment Reminder
Who it's for: Freelancers and small business owners chasing an unpaid invoice
The problem
A client is late paying. You don't want to sound rude, but you also need the money. You keep rewriting the same email.
Copy-paste prompt
Works on free ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Replace everything in [brackets].
Write three versions of a payment reminder email for a small business owner. Details: - My name / business: [YOUR NAME / BUSINESS] - Client first name: [FIRST NAME] - Invoice number: [INV-123], amount: [$AMOUNT], due date: [DATE] - How late it is: [e.g. 14 days] - Relationship: [e.g. good client, first time late] Make: 1. A friendly nudge (assume they forgot) 2. A polite but firm follow-up (second reminder) 3. A final notice that stays professional and states the next step: [e.g. I will pause new work until payment is received] Rules: under 120 words each, plain English, include a clear subject line, include how to pay: [PAYMENT LINK OR METHOD]. Do not threaten legal action or invent late fees.
What good output looks like
Three short emails that escalate in tone, each with a subject line, the invoice number, the amount, and a clear ask. No made-up fees or legal threats.
Common mistake
Letting the AI add late fees or legal language you never agreed to. Read every line before sending, and only mention terms that are actually in your contract.
Next step
Ask for a one-line text message version for clients who answer texts faster than email.
Privacy tip: Use first names and invoice numbers only. Don't paste bank details, full addresses, or the client's contract. Send the email yourself from your own account.
AI can be wrong. Check anything important before you rely on it.