How To Remind Someone To Pay You — Three Hilarious Tricks

If you’re a freelancer like me, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with clients who don’t pay you on time. You’ve done your work, you’ve delivered your results, and you’ve sent your invoice. But your client is either too busy, too forgetful, or too stingy to pay you what you deserve. You don’t want to ruin your relationship with your client, but you also don’t want to let them take advantage of you. So, what can you do?

Well, you could send them a boring and formal reminder email, like everyone else does. Or, you could try something different and use a bit of humor to get your point across. Humor can be a powerful tool to communicate with your client, without being too aggressive or rude. It can also make your client feel more comfortable and friendly with you, and maybe even guilt them into paying you faster.

In this story, I’m going to share with you three hilarious tricks that I use to remind my clients to pay me on time. These tricks have worked for me in the past, and they might work for you too. But be careful, not every client has the same sense of humor, and you don’t want to offend or annoy them. So, use these tricks with caution and discretion, and always adapt them to your situation and your client’s profile.

Are you ready to learn these tricks? Let’s get started!

Here are the three examples that you gave me, rewritten as your personal tips:

Tip 1: Use an hyperbole to show that you understand your client’s priorities, but also remind them of yours.

Sometimes, your client might be too busy with other projects or tasks to pay attention to your invoice. They might have more urgent or important things to do, and they might forget or postpone your payment. In this case, you can use an hyperbole to exaggerate their situation and show that you understand their priorities, but also remind them of yours. Here is an example of an email that I sent to one of my clients who was working on a big campaign for a global brand:

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re having a great day. I’m just writing to remind you that your invoice #[Invoice Number] is due today. I know you’re probably busy saving the world, but I would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to process your payment. You can pay by [Payment Methods].

If you need any help or have any questions, please let me know. I’m always happy to hear from you, especially when you’re sending me money. 😉

Thank you for your business and your prompt payment.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

This email uses a light and friendly tone, while clearly reminding the client that they have to pay their invoice. I use an hyperbole ("saving the world") to show that I understand that the client has other priorities, but that my invoice is one of them too. I also add a wink ("especially when you’re sending me money") to make a joke, but also to emphasize my expectation. I end with a polite and thankful phrase, to maintain a good relationship with the client.

Tip 2: Use a sarcasm to show that you don’t believe your client’s excuses, but also offer them a solution.

Sometimes, your client might have some problems or issues that prevent them from paying you on time. They might have lost your invoice, or they might have some cash flow difficulties, or they might have some technical glitches. In this case, you can use a sarcasm to show that you don’t believe their excuses, but also offer them a solution. Here is an example of an email that I sent to one of my clients who was always late with their payments:

Hello [Client Name],

I’m sure you remember that awesome project we did together last month. It was a pleasure working with you and I’m very proud of the results. I hope you are too.

Speaking of results, there’s one thing that’s still missing: your payment. Your invoice #[Invoice Number] was due last week and I haven’t received it yet. Maybe it got lost in the mail, or maybe your dog ate it. Either way, I need you to resend it as soon as possible. You can pay by [Payment Methods].

Don’t make me send my goons after you. Just kidding, I don’t have goons. But I do have a very angry accountant who’s waiting for your payment. And trust me, you don’t want to mess with him.

Please let me know if you have any issues or questions. I appreciate your cooperation and your prompt payment.

Cheers, [Your Name]

This email uses a sarcastic and ironic tone, while reminding the client of the work that we did together. I use some unlikely excuses ("lost in the mail", "dog ate it") to show that I don’t believe the reasons for the late payment. I also add a humorous threat ("send my goons after you") to show the client that I’m serious, but without being too aggressive. I end with a courteous and thankful phrase, to not be too rude.

Tip 3: Use a drama to show that you’re worried about your client, but also make them feel guilty.

Sometimes, your client might be ignoring your invoice on purpose. They might not be satisfied with your work, or they might be trying to negotiate a lower price, or they might be just stingy. In this case, you can use a drama to show that you’re worried about your client, but also make them feel guilty. Here is an example of an email that I sent to one of my clients who was not responding to my reminders:

Dear [Client Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you about your invoice #[Invoice Number] that was due two weeks ago. I’m sure you’re aware of this, but I haven’t received your payment yet. I’m starting to get worried. Are you okay? Did you forget about me? Do you still love me?

I’m kidding, of course. But seriously, I need you to pay your invoice as soon as possible. You can pay by [Payment Methods]. If you don’t, I’ll have to take some drastic measures. Like sending you more emails. Or calling you every day. Or showing up at your door with a boombox and playing "I Want My Money Back" by B.B. King. You don’t want that, do you?

Please let me know if you have any problems or questions. I value your business and your prompt payment.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

This email uses a dramatic and exaggerated tone, while reminding the client of the overdue payment. I use some rhetorical questions ("Are you okay?", "Do you still love me?") to attract the attention of the client and create a contrast with the real situation. I also add some comical threats ("sending you more emails", "playing 'I Want My Money Back’") to show the client the possible consequences of their non-payment, but without being too intimidating. I end with a respectful and thankful phrase, to not be too unpleasant.

There you have it, three hilarious tricks that I use to remind my clients to pay me on time. These tricks have helped me get my payments faster and easier, while also keeping a good rapport with my clients. Of course, these tricks are not foolproof, and they might not work for every client or every situation. So, use them wisely and carefully, and always be respectful and professional with your clients.

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might benefit from it. And if you have any other tricks or tips that you use to remind your clients to pay you, please leave a comment below and let me know.