How to politely request late payment from an architecture firm client

Late payment from an architecture firm client usually comes down to their process, not bad faith. Here's who pays, when, what tends to hold payment up, and a polite reminder you can send today.

Who pays, and when

A principal or project architect approves. The office manager or accounts team pays. Payments often follow the firm's own billing to its client.

Why payment runs late

Many firms wait until their client pays them before paying consultants.

Tips for chasing an architecture firm client

Agree payment terms that don't depend on their client paying.
Reference the project number they use internally.
Copy the project architect, who can push it internally.

Example reminder email

Subject: Quick reminder: invoice [number] Hi [first name], I hope all's well. Invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. If it's already on its way, thank you, and please ignore this. I've referenced your project number so it matches your records. Is this payment waiting on your client, and if so, when do you expect that? You can pay here: [payment link] Thanks, [Your name]

Write your reminders

Fill in the invoice to get four emails for an architecture firm client, from a heads-up to a final notice, with the dates to send them. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Your reminders will appear here.

Want these sent for you?

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