The Deposit Reminder That Actually Gets Paid

You’ve done the quote. The client agreed. The start date’s in your calendar.

And then… nothing.

You wait two days. Then five. Your polite nudge gets ignored. You begin to wonder if this was all a waste of time.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the exact email I use when a client hasn’t paid their deposit within 3–5 days – and 90% of the time, I get paid within hours.

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Subject: Quick nudge on deposit – ready to go when you are

Hi [Client],

Just a quick note to check if you’ve had a chance to send over the deposit. Once that’s in, I’ll confirm your project slot and get everything scheduled.

If you’ve run into any issues or need anything from me, just let me know.

Cheers,
[Your Name]

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Why this works:

• No passive aggression

• No begging

• It implies action is paused – but gently

• It opens the door for them to say “I forgot” or “I’m waiting on accounts” without embarrassment

I send this once. If nothing arrives in 48 hours, I pull the plug quietly.

Respect goes both ways – and a client who ghosts you before paying is doing you a favour.

Get your time back. Template it. Move on.