1. Start with clear documentation

Before chasing any unpaid invoice, make sure your documentation is complete and organized. At a minimum, you should have:

• Signed contract or agreement (or written confirmation of terms)
• Issued invoice(s) with dates, amounts, and due dates
• Proof of delivery or performance (emails, receipts, reports, logs)
• Any payment promises or acknowledgements from the debtor

This documentation is what transforms a “complaint” into a recoverable claim.

2. Escalate from friendly reminder to firm demand

Many creditors stay in “friendly reminder” mode for too long. A professional sequence normally looks like:

1. Friendly email reminder after due date
2. Second reminder with a clear payment deadline
3. Formal demand email or letter referencing the outstanding amount and dates
4. Final notice before escalation to collection or legal action

Each step should be documented. If your debtor is ignoring you, the problem is no longer communication — it is accountability.

3. Use external pressure — legally and strategically

Most chronic non-payers react quickly when there are real consequences. At DebtBlacklist.com we combine:

• Formal notices and structured communication
• Potential listing on our Accountability Register (individual and business)
• Search visibility and social accountability, always within legal boundaries

Once a debtor understands that non-payment may become part of their visible business history, they usually return to the table.

4. Decide when to escalate to a No Cure, No Pay specialist

If the invoice is substantial and more than a few weeks overdue, it is often more effective to escalate than to send a 5th reminder. Our No Cure, No Pay model means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid when you get paid
• Our interests are completely aligned with yours

5. Protect yourself for the future

Every unpaid invoice is also a lesson. Strengthen your future position by:

• Using written contracts with clear payment terms and late fees
• Asking for deposits or milestone payments for large projects
• Running light background checks on new clients
• Including a clause allowing you to refer overdue accounts to a collection partner

When you’re ready to act, not just remind

If your debtor keeps ignoring you, you don’t have to fight alone. Submit your case and let us take over the difficult part, while you keep focusing on your business.

Submit your unpaid invoice today