Ghosting usually isn't malice. The client got busy, the invoice got buried, or the person who approved it isn't the person who pays. These follow-ups stay friendly, make replying easy, and give you a clear end point. Copy, fill the brackets, send.
3 to 5 business days after your last unanswered message
Subject: Quick check on [project] Hi [Name], Just bumping this in case it got buried. Last we spoke you'd approved [deliverable] on [date]. To keep things simple, a one-word reply works: - "Done" if the invoice is sorted - "Wait" if you need a few more days - "Call" if something needs discussing Thanks, [Your name]
About a week later, still no reply
Subject: [project]: invoice [#] due [date] Hi [Name], I haven't heard back, so I want to make sure this reaches the right person. Invoice [#] for $[amount] was due on [date] for [deliverable], which you approved on [date]. If someone else handles payments, could you forward this or reply with their contact? I've attached the invoice again here, and you can pay at [payment link]. I'll follow up on [date] if I don't hear back. Thanks, [Your name]
When two follow-ups have gone unanswered
Subject: Closing out [project] Hi [Name], I've tried to reach you a few times about invoice [#] ($[amount], due [date]) and haven't heard back, so I'm closing out the project on my side. Per our agreement, [late fee / usage rights / next step] applies from [date]. I'd much rather sort this out directly, so if anything has come up, just reply and we'll find a plan that works. Thanks, [Your name]
The full pack turns this into a repeatable system: a complete follow-up sequence, a tracker, an aging checklist and contract terms that make late payment less likely next time.
Use Claude, Cursor or Codex? The Invoice Chase AI agent skill ($12) drafts the right follow-up for each overdue invoice.
Grab the 3 free emails that get unpaid invoices paid (plus a free AI agent skill), or the 3 free scope creep scripts.