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Firm payment reminder: second notice with a 7-day deadline

If the first reminder gets no answer, send a firm second reminder 7 days later. It states how many days the invoice is overdue, sets a 7-day deadline and, for business debts in the EU or UK, notes that statutory interest and compensation apply.

When to send it

7 days after letter 1. In Overdue Kit that is 10 days after the due date if letter 1 went out on schedule.

What goes in it

• The invoice number, amount, due date and how many days it is overdue.
• The date of your first reminder, which got no reply.
• A clear deadline: full payment within 7 days, or a reply with a payment date.
• For EU and UK business debts: a note that statutory interest and fixed compensation apply, and that you would prefer not to claim them.
• For other debts: the late fee from your contract, if there is one.

Excerpt

The opening of letter 2 in Overdue Kit. Words in brackets are filled in from your invoice.

Dear [contact name],

Invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [due date]. It is now [N] days overdue, and I have not had a reply to my reminder of [date of letter 1].

Please pay the full amount by [date 7 days later], or reply with the date on which you will pay.

The full letter 2 is part of the paid kit (EUR 19 once). The free calculator shows its send date.

Tips

• Give an exact date, not "as soon as possible".
• Offer the alternative of a payment date. It invites a reply instead of silence.
• Mention interest as a fact you would prefer not to use, not as a threat.

The full sequence

1. Letter 1: friendly reminder (3 days after the due date)
2. Letter 2: firm reminder (7 days after letter 1)
3. Letter 3: formal notice (14 days after letter 1)
4. Letter 4: final notice (21 days after letter 1)
5. Letter 5: payment plan offer (when they say they cannot pay in full)

Rates and sources as stored on 11 October 2026. Business-to-business debts only. Templates and calculations, not legal advice.