Quote value, deliver value, collect value—without drama.
❶ Price = trust, not money ❷ Assume good intent first ❸ Questions defuse tension
❹ Silence is leverage ❺ Escalate the consequence, not your tone
(Pin these five on your monitor.)
| Day | Tone | Mission | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Friendly | “Maybe you missed it.” | Gives benefit of doubt; 70 % pay here. |
| +3 | Helpful | “Any blockers? Let me remove them.” | Surfaces real issues (card error, PO pending). |
| +7 | Firm | “Work pauses today.” | Introduces leverage but keeps door open. |
| +14 | Formal | “Late fee + collections next.” | Last resort, fully documented. |
🔵 Paid? → Log date, send Thank-You & resume work.
🔵 No reply? → Advance to next ladder rung on schedule.
🔵 Needs more time? → Offer split payment (never discount).
🔵 Disputes scope? → Point to signed proposal, invite call—pause clock meantime.
(Toggle each block to copy the script.)
Email Script
Subject: Gentle nudge—Invoice #[Invoice] due today
Hi [Name],
Quick heads-up that invoice #[Invoice] for [Amount] is due today.
Pay anytime here → [Payment Link]
Need anything? Just ask—happy to help.
Thanks!
Sapi
DM Script
“Hi [Name] 👋 Invoice #[Invoice] is due today. Link: [short-link]. Thanks!”