Invoice Chaser#

Generate professional, escalating payment reminder emails based on how overdue an invoice is. Built by a developer who ships billing automation to real businesses.

When to Use This Skill#

Use this skill when the user asks to:

• Write a payment reminder email
• Follow up on an unpaid or overdue invoice
• Chase a late payment
• Draft a collections email
• Create reminder sequences for outstanding balances
• Generate past-due notices

Information to Gather#

Before generating a reminder, collect these details from the user. Ask for anything missing — do NOT guess or leave placeholders:

Required#

FieldDescriptionclient_nameWho owes the moneyinvoice_numberThe invoice identifierbalance_dueAmount owed (include currency symbol)due_dateOriginal payment due datebusiness_nameThe user's company or name

Optional (use if provided)#

FieldDescriptiondays_overdueDays past due (calculate from due_date if not given)business_phoneContact phone numberbusiness_emailContact emailpayment_linkURL where client can paypayment_plan_linkURL for payment plan setupproject_nameFor contractor invoices — the job or projectcontract_numberFor contractor invoices — the contract refmatter_numberFor professional services — the case/matter ref

Vertical Detection#

Determine the vertical from context:

• contractor — mentions: project, job site, draw, lien, subcontractor, construction, renovation, trade work
• professional — mentions: firm, engagement, matter, retainer, counsel, consulting, advisory
• general — everything else (default)

Escalation Stages#

Calculate days overdue from due_date relative to today. Select the appropriate stage:

StageTriggerTonefriendly1–7 days overdueWarm, assumes oversight. "Just a quick reminder..."firm8–21 days overdueDirect but polite. States the facts, requests prompt payment.urgent22–45 days overdueSerious. Mentions consequences. Offers payment plan as off-ramp.final46+ days overdueFormal. States 7-day deadline. Mentions "additional remedies" without specifics.

If the user explicitly requests a specific stage, use that stage regardless of days overdue.

Generation Rules#

1. Never fabricate information. If you don't have the client name, ask — don't write "Dear Valued Customer."
2. Never include legal threats in friendly or firm stages. No mentions of attorneys, liens, lawsuits, or collections agencies until the final stage.
3. Never use the word "debt" in friendly or firm stages. Use "balance," "invoice," or "amount due."
4. Always include payment_link if provided. Make it easy to pay.
5. Offer payment_plan_link in urgent and final stages if the user has one.
6. Keep emails under 150 words. Short emails get read. Long emails get ignored.
7. Match the vertical's tone:
   • Contractor: Direct, blue-collar professional. First names. "We know things get busy."
   • Professional: Formal, uses "Dear" and "Regards." References "engagement" or "matter."
   • General: Friendly and straightforward. Balanced formality.

Output Format#

Always output in this exact structure:

text

**Stage:** [friendly/firm/urgent/final]
**Vertical:** [contractor/professional/general]
**Days Overdue:** [number]

---

**Subject:** [email subject line]

**Body:**

[email body text]

Then ask: "Want me to adjust the tone, try a different stage, or generate the next stage in the sequence?"

Multi-Email Sequence#

If the user asks for a "full sequence" or "all stages," generate all 4 stages in order with a horizontal rule ( ---) between each. Label each clearly.

Templates by Vertical and Stage#

Contractor — Friendly#

Subject: Payment Reminder — {{project_name}} (Invoice {{invoice_number}})

Hi {{client_name}},

Just a quick reminder that Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} on {{project_name}} was due on {{due_date}}. We know things get busy — wanted to make sure this didn't slip through your AP cycle.

You can pay easily here: {{payment_link}}

If you have any questions, call us at {{business_phone}} or reply to this email.

Thanks, {{business_name}}

Contractor — Firm#

Subject: Past Due — {{balance_due}} for {{project_name}}

{{client_name}},

This is a follow-up regarding Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}}, now {{days_overdue}} days past due. Per our contract terms, we kindly request prompt payment.

If you need to arrange a payment plan, we're happy to work something out — just reach out to us at {{business_phone}}.

Pay here: {{payment_link}}

{{business_name}}

Contractor — Urgent#

Subject: Urgent: Outstanding Balance on {{project_name}}

{{client_name}},

Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} is now {{days_overdue}} days past due. We need to resolve this promptly. Continued delays may affect project scheduling per our contract terms.

If you're experiencing cash flow issues, we can set up a payment plan: {{payment_plan_link}}

Otherwise, please remit payment today: {{payment_link}}

Contact us immediately at {{business_phone}}.

{{business_name}}

Contractor — Final#

Subject: Final Notice — Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{project_name}}

{{client_name}},

This is a final notice regarding the outstanding balance of {{balance_due}} on Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{project_name}}, now {{days_overdue}} days past due.

Without payment or a payment arrangement within 7 business days, we will pursue all available remedies under our contract.

We would prefer to resolve this directly. Please pay at {{payment_link}} or call {{business_phone}} to discuss options.

{{business_name}}

Professional — Friendly#

Subject: Reminder — Invoice {{invoice_number}} from {{business_name}}

Dear {{client_name}},

We wanted to bring to your attention that Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} was due on {{due_date}}.

You can view and pay the invoice here: {{payment_link}}

Please don't hesitate to contact us at {{business_phone}} if you have any questions.

Best regards, {{business_name}}

Professional — Firm#

Subject: Past Due Notice — Invoice {{invoice_number}} ({{balance_due}})

Dear {{client_name}},

Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} is now {{days_overdue}} days past the agreed terms. We kindly request your prompt attention to this matter.

If there are any concerns regarding the invoice, please contact us at {{business_phone}} so we can resolve them.

Pay here: {{payment_link}}

Regards, {{business_name}}

Professional — Urgent#

Subject: Second Notice — Overdue Balance Requires Attention

Dear {{client_name}},

This is a second follow-up regarding Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}}, now {{days_overdue}} days past due.

We value our working relationship and want to resolve this matter promptly. If you need to arrange a payment plan, please let us know: {{payment_plan_link}}

Otherwise, please remit payment at your earliest convenience: {{payment_link}}

{{business_name}}

Professional — Final#

Subject: Final Notice — Invoice {{invoice_number}}

Dear {{client_name}},

This is our final communication regarding the overdue balance of {{balance_due}} on Invoice {{invoice_number}}, now {{days_overdue}} days past due.

Without payment or a payment arrangement within 7 business days, we will be forced to pursue additional remedies to recover this amount. We would greatly prefer to resolve this directly.

Please pay at {{payment_link}} or contact {{business_phone}} immediately.

{{business_name}}

General — Friendly#

Subject: Friendly Reminder — Invoice {{invoice_number}}

Hi {{client_name}},

Just a friendly reminder that Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} was due on {{due_date}}.

You can pay easily here: {{payment_link}}

Questions? Reach us at {{business_phone}} or {{business_email}}.

Thanks! {{business_name}}

General — Firm#

Subject: Payment Overdue — Invoice {{invoice_number}}

{{client_name}},

Invoice {{invoice_number}} for {{balance_due}} is now {{days_overdue}} days past due. We'd appreciate prompt payment.

If you need to set up a payment plan, we can work with you — just reach out at {{business_phone}}.

Pay here: {{payment_link}}

{{business_name}}

General — Urgent#

Subject: Urgent — Your Account Requires Attention

{{client_name}},

This is an important notice. Your balance of {{balance_due}} (Invoice {{invoice_number}}) is now {{days_overdue}} days overdue. Please resolve this as soon as possible to avoid further action.

We're happy to set up a payment plan if that helps: {{payment_plan_link}}

Pay now: {{payment_link}} Call us: {{business_phone}}

{{business_name}}

General — Final#

Subject: Final Notice — Invoice {{invoice_number}}

{{client_name}},

This is a final notice. Your balance of {{balance_due}} on Invoice {{invoice_number}} is {{days_overdue}} days past due.

If we do not receive payment or hear from you within 7 business days, we will pursue additional steps to recover this amount. We'd prefer to resolve this now.

Pay at {{payment_link}} or call {{business_phone}} today.

{{business_name}}

Stop Conditions#

• Do NOT generate if the user hasn't provided at least: client_name, invoice_number, balance_due, and business_name
• Do NOT generate legal advice. These are reminder emails, not legal documents.
• Do NOT claim to be an attorney or collections agency
• If the user asks for something beyond email reminders (filing liens, going to court, reporting to credit bureaus), say: "That's outside what this skill covers. You should consult with a collections attorney for legal remedies."