Late payment letter for handymen (UK)
Small invoices still deserve to be paid. Send a short, polite reminder letter and get the money without the awkwardness.
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Not legal advice. This letter is a polite payment reminder. It does not add interest or make legal claims. For your rights when a business customer pays late, see GOV.UK: late commercial payments.
Small amounts, big hassle
A £90 invoice doesn't feel worth chasing, but a few of those a month add up to real money. And customers who pay late once tend to do it again. A polite written reminder is quick to send and often all it takes.
Most handyman invoices go unpaid simply because they were forgotten. The customer meant to transfer it when they got home and never did. A friendly first reminder with your bank details solves most of these.
Agents and landlords
If the job was for a letting agent or landlord, the invoice may be sitting in a queue waiting for approval. Ask who deals with payments and send the reminder to them directly. Agents often pay in a monthly run, so it helps to know their cut-off date.
The three stages
- First reminder: friendly and short. Assumes it was missed.
- Second reminder: mentions how many days the invoice is overdue and offers to agree a payment plan.
- Final reminder: firm but polite, for customers who haven't replied.
Getting paid on the day
The best fix is to avoid invoices for small jobs altogether. Take payment before you leave, by card, cash or bank transfer while you wait, and give a receipt. Save invoices for bigger jobs and regular clients.
Business customers
For agents and other business clients, GOV.UK explains when you can claim statutory interest and compensation on late commercial payments. This letter doesn't add either, and it isn't legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth chasing a small invoice?
Usually, yes. A polite letter costs nothing and most customers pay once reminded.
Should I stop working for a customer who pays late?
That's your call. Asking repeat late payers to pay on the day is a fair middle ground.
Can I add a late fee?
This letter doesn't. For business customers, check the GOV.UK rules on late commercial payments first.