Offer to split it
Client asked to pay over time.
Hi Alex — no problem. The total is $900. We could split it into three payments of $300: today, October 30, and November 30. Does that work for you?
Offer or confirm a payment plan
Sometimes a client can’t pay the whole bill at once, and a simple plan gets you paid instead of chasing an overdue invoice. Spell out each amount and its due date so there’s nothing to argue about later. Keep the tone matter-of-fact: it’s a scheduling detail, not a favor or a lecture.
Only offer terms you’re comfortable with. Put the total, each payment, and each date in the text so you both have the same record.
When to use this
- A bigger job is done and the client asks if they can pay over time.
- An invoice is overdue and splitting it is easier than chasing the full amount.
- You want to confirm a plan you already agreed on by phone.
- Not for a simple late payment — use Overdue invoice instead.
Confirm the plan
After you agreed by phone.
Hi Alex — thanks for talking it through. Just confirming the plan: $450 today and $450 on November 15, for a total of $900. I’ll send a receipt after each one.
Upcoming payment reminder
A few days before.
Hi Jordan — friendly reminder that the second payment of $300 is due this Friday, November 13. Same way as last time is perfect. Thanks!
Payment arrived
Keep a running total.
Hi Alex — got your $300, thank you. That’s $600 paid so far, with $300 left on December 1.
Plan is complete
Last payment.
Hi Jordan — received the final payment. You’re all paid up on the $900 total. Thanks for keeping it right on schedule.
How to send it
Copy one message, swap in the real name and details, and send from your own phone or email. Keep it to a few sentences. If they need a different topic, use a Related link below instead of mixing two subjects in one text.