chasing non paying customer; pls can someone tell me whether this is alright?

[Hgrove]

My friend, a builder, asked me to type a letter chasing a customer who has not paid a bill. He wants the letter to be polite. Can someone please tell me whether the following is alright?

Dear Mr/Mrs Xxxxx

On checking our records we find that our invoice no. XXX dated dd/mm/yyyy is still outstanding on your account.

We would be grateful if you could remit the sum of �xxx to ourselves at the above address.

Yours sincerely

[Oneeyedvic]

Sounds fine to me - you could put in a bit saying: "If you have sent your payment in the last few days then please disregard this letter." but it is a matter of choice

[LazyGun]

very polite,particularly if you add vics suggestion to it. If I might ask, how overdue is the payment, and has this same customer ever been late or missed payments before?

If so, a slightly more robust tone might be required!

[stevie21]

It'd change the tone of the letter a fair bit but if it was me, I'd probably personalise the letter a little and state that "you" have bills to pay and are relying on this money.
A little guilt trip might speed up the cash.

In fact, I'd possibly only go down this route if I was on the phone asking for the money. In writing, keep it as formal as you can.
I'd go with your own effort, with Mr Vic's addition.
"We trust you're satisfied with our work and would appreciate the sum of XX to ourselves at the above address.
If you have already sent..."

[Hgrove]

many thanks for the replies; I don't know the facts about this client, as I don't work for this builder, I am only a friend. Usually his wife acts as his secretary and they only ask me for help when they need a template for a letter (English is not their mother tongue).

[crgb14]

If you don't receive a response within say a week you need to contact them directly and send a copy of the outstanding invoice(s).

If the 'client' is in commercial practise you can bet that the letter will have been filed in the bin. Unless someone gives you a more demanding letter not many people bother with first letters.

I'd just tell him to telephone the client direct to chase payment. You'd be surprised how much difference speaking to someone directly can make.