The second reminder is a different beast from the first. At this point, the invoice is overdue and a prior message went unanswered (or was read and not acted on). The tone should acknowledge that without making assumptions about why — clients have a range of reasons for delayed payment, and most of them aren't malicious.
The goal of a second reminder is to re-establish urgency, make paying as easy as possible, and open a door for the client to raise any concerns. Below are four examples — email long form, email short form, and two text variations.
Second reminder email — standard (5–7 days overdue)
This version is warm but clear. It acknowledges the prior message, restates the invoice details, and makes paying the simplest next action. It also opens the door for a conversation in case there's an issue — which often prompts a response even if payment isn't immediate.
Second reminder email — concise version
Use this if you prefer a shorter follow-up that gets straight to the point. Works well for clients you've had a longer relationship with — less explanation needed.
Second reminder text — conversational
For clients you communicate with primarily by text. Keeps the relationship intact while still being clear that this is a follow-up on a prior message.
Second reminder text — direct
Use this if the conversational version went unanswered. Slightly firmer, but still professional and solution-oriented.
Your second reminder goes out automatically — on schedule
With LaborMate's , your second reminder is just part of the sequence — it goes out at the right time without you deciding to send it. Set your default cadence once and every invoice in your pipeline follows the same consistent follow-up process.
- •First reminder, second reminder, and beyond — all on a schedule you define.
- •Embedded Stripe payment links in every message.
- •Open tracking so you know if the second reminder was seen.
- •Automatic stop the moment the invoice is paid.
Key Takeaways
Slightly more direct. The first reminder assumes good faith and forgetfulness. The second acknowledges the first was sent and wasn't acted on — the tone should reflect that without being accusatory.
Yes — always. Don't assume the client still has the original email or can find it. Reattaching (or re-linking) reduces friction and removes any excuse for not paying.
5–7 days after the due date for the second reminder is a reasonable window. If the first reminder was a pre-due heads-up, the second could be the due-date message, with the third being the first overdue follow-up.
Send a third reminder at the 14-day mark with a firmer tone. After that, a final notice is appropriate if payment still hasn't been made. See our Final Notice Before Collections template for that stage.