Manage late payments
Unpaid invoice: what should you do at the first late payment?
On the first day of delay, check the invoice and payment route, then request a precise date. Fast action separates an administrative error from a genuine difficulty.
Check before following up
- —The due date has actually passed
- —The right department received the invoice
- —Order and supporting documents were supplied
- —There is no credit note, dispute or unmatched payment
Obtain a usable answer
Contact the appropriate person, state the references and ask for the cause and a payment date. Confirm the exchange in writing and record the next action.
- —Remain courteous and factual
- —Do not accept a promise without a date
- —Escalate progressively
Prepare the next step
If a promise is missed or there is no reply, formalise the follow-up. French B2B late-payment penalties and a fixed fee may apply where statutory conditions are met.
- —Common mistake: waiting weeks between actions
- —Distinguish a genuine dispute from administrative delay
Conclusion
The first delay is the moment to restore a credible timetable. A complete file supports structured amicable recovery if ordinary reminders fail.