How to politely request late payment from a consulting firm client

Late payment from a consulting 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

The engagement manager approves. Finance pays. Many pay subcontractors monthly in arrears, often on 30-day terms.

Why payment runs late

Timesheets or deliverables need sign-off before the invoice is paid.

Tips for chasing a consulting firm client

Submit timesheets or deliverables with the invoice.
Ask the engagement manager to approve promptly.
Use their project or engagement codes.

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. My timesheet for the period is attached for approval. Has my timesheet been approved for this period? You can pay here: [payment link] Thanks, [Your name]

Write your reminders

Fill in the invoice to get four emails for a consulting 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?

We're building a tool that sends these reminders automatically from your own Gmail when a Stripe invoice goes overdue, all in one email thread, and stops the moment it's paid. It isn't ready yet. Planned price: $19 a month.