1 · Check the debt
Overdue, specific and attributable to the debtor
The invoice is an important piece of evidence, but the amount should be linked to a genuine order, completed work or delivery and a payment date that has already passed.
- Correct identity of creditor and debtor.
- Clear description and amount.
- Issue date and due date.
- Taxes and partial payments correctly reflected.
2 · Gather the evidence
Do not rely on a single invoice
A contract, accepted quotation, purchase order, delivery note, work record, emails and messages may complete the history of the transaction. Replies in which the debtor acknowledges the balance or asks for more time to pay are also useful.
3 · Make the claim
Clear, verifiable communication
The claim should identify the debt, state what is being requested and make it possible to prove what was communicated and when. The appropriate channel depends on the case, the documents and the debtor’s previous response.
Where applicable, any prior negotiation activity and its proper documentation must also be considered before a potential claim in court.
4 · Decide whether to escalate
Negotiate, start court proceedings or discontinue
The decision does not depend on the amount alone. The evidence, known solvency, location of the debtor, costs and realistic prospects of enforcement also matter.
| Signal | What to review |
|---|---|
| The debtor acknowledges the debt | Proposal, timetable and safeguards in the agreement. |
| The debtor denies the work or delivery | Contractual evidence and proof of performance. |
| The debtor does not reply | Claim channel and viability of escalation. |
| There are many overdue invoices | Prioritisation by amount, age and quality of evidence. |
5 · Avoid delay
Time can affect the strategy
The applicable limitation periods vary according to the nature of the relationship and the debt. If the invoice has been overdue for some time, obtain an individual assessment rather than assuming that every reminder has the same effect.