Why Payment Reminders Often Fail and How SMS Solves It
Late payments are a persistent challenge for businesses of every size. In fact, 81% of companies reported more overdue invoices in 2022 than the year prior, and small businesses are especially affected, with over 92% rarely getting paid on time. While many have turned to complex billing systems to address the issue, the real bottleneck isn’t technical; it’s communication.
The truth is, most unpaid invoices aren’t being ignored; they’re being overlooked. Buried in crowded inboxes that receive over 100 emails a day, your invoice is just another unopened notification. And if it’s forgotten, payment is delayed.
Compare that to SMS: 98% open rates and average response times under 90 seconds. When you send an invoice via text, you're no longer hoping to be seen in a cluttered inbox; you’re showing up directly where your customer is already active.
In this article, we’ll show you how to simplify your billing process with SMS. You'll learn how to send professional payment reminders using Text My Main Number’s powerful platform, plus get 20 ready-to-use templates designed to help you get paid on time, every time.
Why Late Payments Happen (and How to Overcome Them)
Businesses don’t just suffer from overdue invoices; they lose time, disrupt cash flow, and risk customer relationships. In many cases, the delay isn't intentional. A 2022 study found that the two most common reasons customers miss payments are simple: they forget, or they don’t have the cash on hand.
But these aren’t the only issues. Late payments often stem from:
- Cash flow problems — Your customer may be facing a temporary shortage.
- Forgetfulness — Nearly half of Americans miss bills because they simply forget.
- Disputed charges — Unresolved questions about invoice accuracy can delay action.
- Invoice not received — Emails get buried, spammed, or accidentally deleted.
- Unclear documentation — The payer may not recognize or understand the charge.
- Unclear payment steps — No easy way to pay means longer delay.
- Economic conditions — Inflation and rising costs impact payment cycles.
- Tech obstacles — Outdated portals and clunky processes slow things down.
These challenges share a common theme: breakdowns in communication and convenience.
That’s why forward-thinking businesses are turning to SMS invoicing. With people checking their phones 2,617 times a day and SMS open rates nearing 98%, texting your invoice gets immediate attention. Unlike email, which often gets lost or ignored, SMS lands where your customers are already engaged and drives faster results.
What Is SMS Invoicing?
SMS invoicing is the process of sending billing reminders or payment requests directly through text messages. Rather than relying on email or paper mail, which are often ignored, filtered, or delayed, SMS puts your message in front of the customer instantly. It’s a fast, direct, and highly visible way to communicate payment details and expectations.
With SMS invoicing, you can include a direct link to your payment portal within the message, so recipients can act immediately—no logging into accounts, searching for invoice numbers, or scanning through crowded inboxes. The process is simple for both sender and receiver and significantly reduces friction in the billing cycle.
Why Send Invoices by Text?
Smartphones are always within reach, and consumers engage with them constantly. In fact, the average person taps their phone over 2,600 times a day. It’s no surprise, then, that SMS messages boast a 98% open rate, compared to the average email open rate of just 20%.
Text messaging offers visibility and immediacy that other channels can’t match. That’s why more small and mid-sized businesses are using SMS not just for marketing or support, but also for debt collection, invoicing, and payment reminders.
If you’re new to using SMS professionally, discover the key benefits of business texting for small companies.
This shift is more than a trend; it reflects customer expectations. Studies show that 54% of consumers are frustrated when they can’t text a company. By sending invoices via SMS, you’re meeting people where they already are and giving them a way to resolve balances faster and more conveniently.
The Core Components of an Effective SMS Invoice Message
Late payments cost businesses more than just time; they can strain cash flow, delay operations, and hinder growth. For small businesses, especially, chasing down unpaid invoices is an all-too-frequent burden. But with the right structure and tone, SMS invoicing can transform how and how fast you get paid.
Companies that combine email and SMS invoicing are 56% more likely to receive on-time payments, and a well-crafted invoice text is the reason why. It’s not just about reminding someone to pay; it’s about making it easy, clear, and professional.
Here are the essential components every effective SMS invoice text should include:
- Customer’s Name
Personalization builds trust. By including the client’s name, you instantly signal that the message is legitimate and relevant to them. - Direct Payment Link
Friction is the enemy of fast payments. Including a clickable payment URL ensures the customer can complete the transaction without delay. - Clear Due Date
Transparency around when payment is expected reduces confusion and creates a natural sense of urgency. - Amount Due
Be precise. Stating the total due eliminates uncertainty and minimizes back-and-forth communication. - Service or Product Description
A quick line about what was purchased or delivered reinforces the value of your work and reminds the client what they’re paying for. - Alternative Payment Options
If you offer other ways to pay (e.g., wire, bank transfer, or check), include a note about that. Flexibility can remove a final barrier to payment. - Your Business Name
Always identify yourself. Including your company name lends credibility and reassures the recipient that the message is authentic.
When these elements are included in a short, concise SMS, your message becomes a powerful tool not just to inform, but to convert intent into action. And with TMMN’s smart SMS tools, you can automate and personalize every invoice reminder to scale your billing process without losing the human touch.
20 payment reminder text message templates
Use these SMS payment reminder samples to improve your billing and collections. These templates allow you to quickly customize a stock message to meet the needs of your business, customers, and transactions.
Before Due Date Reminders
1. Friendly Upcoming Reminder
Hi [Name], just a heads-up, your payment of [Amount] for [Service] is due on [Due Date]. Make a quick payment here: [Payment Link] – [Business Name]
2. Week-Ahead Nudge
Hi [Name], your invoice [#InvoiceNumber] is due next week for [Service]. Pay online to avoid late fees: [Link]
3. Scheduled Charge Alert
Hi [Name], we’ll be charging your card [Amount] on [Due Date] for [Service]. Please update your payment info if needed. – [Business Name]
4. Invoice Delivery Confirmation
Hi [Name], your invoice from [Business Name] for [Service] is ready and due by [Date]. Pay online or reply for assistance: [Link]
Incentivized Early Payment Templates
5. Pay Early, Save More
Hi [Name], pay your [Month] bill by [Date] and get [X%] off your next invoice with [Business Name]. Here's your link: [Link]
6. Flash Discount Offer
Hey [Name]! Pay your balance of [Amount] by [Date] and unlock a [X%] discount on next month’s service. – [Business Name]
7. Early Payment Perk
Hi [Name], we’re offering a special deal pay your current invoice now and enjoy a discount on your next one. Tap to pay: [Link]
Due Date Day Reminders
8. Day-of Payment Notice
Hi [Name], today is the due date for your payment of [Amount] to [Business Name]. You can pay instantly here: [Link]
9. Invoice Deadline Reminder
[Business Name]: [Name], your invoice #[Invoice Number] for [Service] is due today. To avoid late fees, please pay here: [Link]
10. Time-Sensitive Alert
Hi [Name], your payment for [Service] is due today. Please make payment by midnight to avoid penalties: [Link]
Late Payment Reminders
11. Initial Late Payment Nudge
Hi [Name], your payment of [Amount] for [Service] is past due. Please make payment now to avoid further delay: [Link]
12. Gentle Overdue Notice
Hi [Name], your invoice #[InvoiceNumber] was due on [Due Date]. Kindly submit payment here: [Link] – [Business Name]
13. Overdue & Support Option
Hi [Name], your bill of [Amount] is overdue. Questions? Call or text [Phone Number], or pay securely here: [Link]
Follow-Up Reminders (Still Unpaid)
14. Second Reminder
Hi [Name], we still haven’t received payment for invoice #[InvoiceNumber] due on [Date]. Please pay or reach out with questions: [Link]
15. Polite Final Nudge Before Fees
[Business Name]: [Name], your invoice for [Amount] is now [X] days overdue. Please pay by [New Due Date] to avoid late charges: [Link]
Final Notices
16. Final Warning – Service Suspension
Hi [Name], this is your final notice to pay [Amount] for [Service]. Your account will be suspended if unpaid by the end of the day. – [Business Name]
17. Final Attempt Before Legal
Hi [Name], your overdue balance of [Amount] has not been paid despite several notices. Please resolve this before [Date] to avoid legal action: [Link]
Once you’ve sent your final payment reminders, make sure any incoming replies or payment confirmations are handled automatically. Our guide on how businesses can leverage auto-replies in text messaging.
Industry-Specific Templates
18. Home Services (Plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Business Name]. Your invoice for [Service] totaling [Amount] is due by [Date]. Pay online here: [Link]
19. Events & Bookings
Hi [Name], your deposit of [Amount] for your event on [Date] is due. Secure your booking here: [Link] – [Business Name]
20. Subscription Reminder
Hi [Name], your monthly subscription fee of [Amount] is due on [Date]. Renew now to keep enjoying your service: [Link]
How to Send an SMS Invoice with Text My Main Number
Sending invoices via text message has never been easier with Text My Main Number’s all-in-one SMS platform. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or service provider, you can send customized SMS invoice reminders in just a few clicks with full support for PDF attachments and smart templates.
And the best part? You can try it all free for 14 days—no credit card required.
Step-by-Step: Send an Invoice by SMS
1. Log In and Go to the Messaging Inbox
Sign in to your TMMN dashboard and navigate to the Messenger tab. This is your main hub for 2-way SMS communication with clients.
2. Create Your Invoice Template
To scale your billing process, first set up an invoice template:
- Click the Templates icon in the message toolbar
- Or go to Data > Message Templates > + Create New Template
- Add a Template Name and your invoice message text
Example Template:
Hi [Client Name], your invoice for [Service] is [Amount] and due by [Due Date]. Click here to pay: [Link]
Use merge fields like [Client Name], [Amount Due], and [Due Date] to personalize your message.
Once saved, you can select this template directly from the Messenger window for reuse.
3. Attach the PDF Invoice
When composing your message, click the paperclip icon to upload your invoice file (PDF format).
TMMN will automatically convert it into a clickable link, optimized for mobile viewing. This keeps your message clean and concise, making it more actionable.
4. Send or Schedule the Invoice
- Click Send to deliver the invoice immediately
- Or go to Control Center > Schedule Messages to send it at a future date/time
Your client will receive a professional, branded SMS with a direct link to the invoice; no need to download apps or log into a portal. Before sending automated billing messages at scale, make sure your texts follow federal texting laws. Review our SMS Compliance Checklist for 2025
Improve Billing and Cash Flow with TMMN’s SMS Invoicing Tools
If you're tired of chasing payments, dealing with late invoices, and wasting time on manual follow-ups, Text My Main Number (TMMN) has your back. Our secure business texting platform makes it easy to send invoice reminders, payment links, and follow-ups, all from your existing main business number.
With TMMN, you can:
- Automate invoice reminders based on due dates
- Attach PDFs or payment links right inside the message
- Send in bulk or schedule one-on-one follow-ups
- Track replies and engagement in a unified inbox
To boost your results even further, learn how to optimize SMS conversion metrics.
Whether you're a solo service provider or managing hundreds of clients, SMS invoicing helps reduce cash flow gaps, improve on-time payments, and maintain client trust.
And that’s just the beginning. From customer service to promotions to appointment reminders, TMMN unlocks powerful messaging tools that go far beyond billing.
Ready to collect payments faster and stress less?
Start your 14-day free trial of TMMN now—no credit card required.
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