Should I Chase This Invoice?

Chase an invoice as soon as it's overdue. Send a polite reminder on the day it's due or 1–2 days after. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect. UK research shows invoices become significantly less likely to be paid after 90 days overdue. Don't feel awkward — you delivered the work, you deserve to be paid.

A reasonable escalation: 1) Friendly reminder at 1–7 days overdue, 2) Firmer follow-up at 14 days, 3) Final notice at 30 days warning of late payment interest, 4) Letter Before Action at 45–60 days, 5) Small claims court after 60+ days for amounts under £10,000. Always keep written records of every chase.

Yes. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, you can charge 8% above the Bank of England base rate on B2B invoices (currently 12.5% total). You can also claim fixed compensation: £40 for debts up to £999.99, £70 for £1,000–£9,999.99, and £100 for debts of £10,000+. You don't need to have stated this in your contract — it's statutory.

Usually yes. Non-payment sets a precedent, especially with repeat clients. A quick email costs you 5 minutes. If it's a one-off client you'll never work with again and the amount is tiny, you might write it off — but still send one chase so they know you noticed. For repeat clients, always chase every penny.

A Letter Before Action (LBA) is a formal letter giving the debtor a final chance to pay before you take legal action. It typically gives 14 days to pay and states that you'll issue court proceedings if they don't. Courts expect to see that you've sent an LBA before filing a claim. It's often the most effective single action — many clients pay immediately when they receive one.