Write a Payment Reminder That Keeps the Relationship
Added 2026-10-31
Assume they forgot: give information, a channel and a deadline without blame.
A client has missed the payment date. Write a reminder email: 1) assume a process or notification issue first, giving them an easy out; 2) give all key details once: amount, invoice number, due date, payment method; 3) propose one clear new deadline; 4) say to ignore it if already paid, so I can reconcile; 5) keep the tone calm. Under 150 words, no threats.
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Chinese original
How to use
催款先给对方一个「不是你的错」的台阶。
Try tweaking it
- Have it state how the hypothesis could be falsified before discussing execution.
- Split the plan into a one-week testable experiment.
What you should get
- A small testable experiment with a failure threshold
- Costs, risks, and what needs outside confirmation
Common mistakes
- Asking for a "full business plan" and getting unverifiable optimistic assumptions.
- No failure threshold, so you never know whether to continue.
How to check the output
- There is a clear failure threshold, testable within a week.
- Costs, assumptions and risks are listed separately.
Where it works
- Good for: turning business assumptions into a small testable experiment with a failure threshold first.
- Watch out: for pricing, contracts and legal points, treat output as a draft needing professional review.