If you have not made the payment, please do so as soon as you can. In order to do that, though, they typically require that you have all the debt that is owed to you in writing, so make sure you have records of all the email exchanges (as well as the invoices) with your client. Unfortunately, many collection agencies have a bad rap due to a few that continually harass debtors. The reasoning is simple: As a freelancer, you are your own best asset. Unless the client answers your emails, perhaps there’s a problem with the email address you are sending to, or a similar problem you’re unaware of – in case of no response after a full month of emailing, turn to calling or texting the client. keep you posted with a few emails per week. → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #5. 100% privacy. Ever. If for some reason your client continues not paying after three emails and a phone conversation, you have three options: I actually suggest you do this option above all others. When talking to the client over the phone, make sure you tick the following boxes: ☑ Introduce yourself and explain why you’re calling, ☑ Don’t make direct accusations about the client not paying you, ☑ Maintain an impersonal and polite tone that gives your client the benefit of the doubt, ☑ Summarize all details agreed upon before the conversation ends. Calling people takes away the protective layer of anonymity that emails provide — making it MUCH harder to ignore your payment request. To further ease the matter the payment, you’ll need to settle on a freelance payment processor that’s both efficient for you, and easy to use for the client. If you send your emails in such regular intervals, you’ll remain polite and patient, but also show your clients that you are professional about your invoices and matters of payment. In which case, save yourself time by having a prepared script you can call upon. You are collecting a debt. Instead of assuming the worst — that the client is not paying you on purpose — consider other variables that could be causing them to pay late before shooting off aggressive reminder emails. The most effective choice is to make this email clear and concise – with a direct call to make the payment in order to meet today’s payment deadline. 1. You’re still giving your client the benefit of the doubt, so make sure you also include a copy of the invoice itself in the attachment – perhaps you’ll find the attachment was faulty, and the client did not receive the invoice. Sometimes, you’ll get paid on the date previously agreed on with the client, not much sooner or later. Get my FREE insider newsletter that is helping 400,000+ people MAKE MORE MONEY! Don’t feel obligated to explain yourself or make up complex excuses. If the payment is worth the trouble, you should email your client the invoice and call them…. It’ll allow you to accommodate the request without saying an outright no. Marija Kojic is a productivity writer who's always researching about various productivity techniques and time management tips in order to find the best ones to write about. Unfortunately every day I'm more convinced that people these days tend to take things personally, so you can't be assertive without being interpreted as rude/arrogant. !” but the moment you do that, you stand to both tarnish your reputation and lower your chances of ever getting paid. Want to work from home, control your schedule, and make more money? Why write it like this? Most of the time, if you’re unsure a client you’re working with will pay you, making precautions may be a better tactic than chasing after them after you’ve finished and delivered the project. But, as time passes and your payment doesn’t come, you’ll need to take action yourself and ask for payment directly. As for the client who’s purposefully ignoring your emails, well, he/she will get another reason less to ignore you. 5. Taking a firm stance without being rude can sound like this: “I am sorry but I can’t do this right now.” 5. But, there’s a definite line between being curious and being downright rude. Do plenty of research to see what the current market and similar jobs in your area pay, using sites like Glassdoor and PayScale to collect relevant data. Until they pay, that is (or you put them on Clients From Hell and call it even). Granted, using a "stock" phrase from the etiquette books doesn't automatically make a given action not-rude, but, if your position is that refusing an offer isn't rude and you're only looking for the right way to make the refusal without being rude, then, the "stock" phrases are the very tools necessary to convey your intent and wishes in the proper way. You can say "That is odd. I know this problem is well-known (being assertive and humble at the same time), and I've searched all over the Internet for an answer. This can include reducing the size of the task, asking for a longer deadline or sharing the load with another person. Practice explaining how you feel and what you need in a straightforward manner. Considering that you’ve already sent a couple of emails that have been completely ignored, you’re free to take a firmer and tougher approach with this requesting payment letter – just make sure you remain professional, and kind as much as possible. How to ask her to leave without being rude? When drawing a contract, make sure you include the following elements: You can also consult a legal entity about other elements you should include in your contract. When you’re finished, make sure you close the loop using this script: As with the emails, you want to remain friendly and never lose your cool. Moreover, most of these tools also send reminders to you when the invoice is overdue, and you won’t have to worry about missing a payment because you were disorganized, or because you simply forgot to send an invoice. Of course, you’ll aim to be professional, kind, and polite in your requests, and avoid throwing a tantrum at the client about their overdue invoices – but, being direct, precise, and persistent is always the way to go. 8. The Best Ways to Request a Pay Raise. If your client hasn’t responded in two weeks, send them a follow-up email. He knows he owes the money. ☑️ Ask the client to confirm they received the email, → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #4. In this email, you should clearly ask for payment, and ask the client to confirm whether they have received the message. Remind the client about the invoice as the due date approaches. Something simple can work, like “Just a friendly reminder that this invoice is due on [date].” Check in again a few days after the deadline, just to give a reminder again or ask for an update. That’s why you’re going to want to find a reputable agency that will help you get your money back without resorting to unscrupulous means. Now you know how to get paid, but if you want more help making money, check out my FREE Handbook to 6-Figure Freelancing. Download my FREE Ultimate Guide to Making Money. For some people, being asked to pay a bill is insulting and can result in defensive behaviors. Check the Client Received the Invoice. Present him with a bill. You need to make sure you keep your cool during these emails and phone calls because it’ll be easier now more than ever to blow up at them. At first, you’ll hold good faith that your payment will get processed soon. Put late payment policies in your contract or invoice. It’s [YOUR NAME]. For business payments, there is no polite way of asking for what you are due since you are not building a friendship but you are building a business. You need to value your time and energy as such by not wasting either on awful clients. In order to find some success in asking, look at the pay raise also as an opportunity for more responsibility or leadership within the company. Similarly asking for a receipt for a personal lending is implying … Everyone needs a pay raise now and then but asking for it can be a daunting task, especially in times of economic uncertainty. When you sign up, we'll keep you posted If you ever feel uneasy about asking a client for payment directly, ask yourself some important questions first: If you would answer similarly to all these questions, you have nothing to feel bad about when asking for payment in a straightforward manner – you’ve delivered your end of the job agreement, and now it’s only logical that you expect the same from your client. Send a polite email to your client explaining that the payment is now past due and ask to make sure they received the initial … When wondering about how to ask for payment without being rude, the most important thing you need to remember is to be direct, but also kind and professional. You’ll want to cut ties with the client as soon as possible. Trouble clients happen from time to time. You want your client to know you are serious about being paid. ☑️ Emphasis on the time the invoice is overdue, ☑️ Include a copy of the invoice in the attachment, → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #3. living This is your first email about the invoice being overdue – so, you’ll need to maintain a firmer tone and include a straightforward CTA. She's in college, so I know money is tight for her and I offered to buy it for her and she could pay me back later, supposedly her dad was going to pay for it (we don't have the same dad). Write it out by hand and give it to him. And, now it’s time for the really hard part – waiting to get paid. Without the face-to-face cues, getting a little wordier can make a world of difference in whether your message comes across as cordial or rude." Asking for an advance is another element you should include in your contract, but it merits extra emphasis – because it helps you separate the serious clients from the ones likely to bail on paying. A professional-looking invoice will increase the chances of you getting paid – and there are plenty of invoicing tools you can try for this purpose. Some clients are TERRIBLE about paying on time. Chances are, once the client understands who you are, you’ll receive a call from them, or a message indicating when it would be a good time to call back. RE: How do you ask someone for money owed without being rude? Its placement at the end is intentional and leaves everything on a playful tone. Single. It’s inevitable. “If you’ve seen no movement on their part to pay you back, just ask,” Grace says. Answered on 11 Nov 2020. Asking someone to pay you back is not fun, but sometimes being direct and asking face-to-face is necessary. If you turn to threats and direct accusations, you risk seeming unprofessional and tarnishing your reputation – and you’ll be less likely to get paid. Don’t delay. Ask for the payment simply and be straightforward. Overall, it’s simple, direct, and actionable. If something did go wrong (email went to the spam folder, you used the wrong email address, etc), you and your client can address the issue to prevent it from happening again. Why write it like this? While Please let me know if I can answer any questions, might seem obvious, it serves a purpose. Genius. 0 comments. With it, you’ll be able to: By doing so, you’ll be providing the clients with a clear overview of the work you’ve accomplished for them, concrete proof you’ve finished within the deadline, as well as the clean amount they owe – all of which is data that gives further weight to your invoices. I created a simple, 2-part system that has worked for me time and time again. Get Your Point Across without Being Rude. When you sign up, we'll Here’s how to ask for payment without being rude, by penning a payment request email to a client, with outstanding payment request letters you can use as examples – plus, some additional tips, strategies, and back-up plans: You don’t need to ask for payment directly in the first email – you just need to make sure your client is well aware of your payment terms and basic information beforehand. As additional support, take extra precautions to ensure the client has all the chances of paying you on time and in full: © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Clockify. …Every. If in doubt about what to say to your client, simply start with: No matter how the conversation continues from there, you’re likely to get some answers to your payment being late and your emails receiving no reply: Whatever the reason may be, you’ll be more likely to learn about it if you talk with your client over the phone. Bonus:If the COVID-19 pandemic has you worried about money, check out my free Coronavirus Proofing your Finances guide and protect your money during this pandemic! What matters most now is that you take action in order to get them to pay you. Why write it like this? Have you received them?”. It’s important to send one email before the payment date, and one email on the day payment is due, to give your clients plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. I’ve sent a couple of emails about payment for the project, and I think you might’ve missed them. This script also uses the exclamation point very strategically. Download my FREE Ultimate Guide to Working from Home. Why write it like this? If they don’t, though, you can always try the next option. So always give them that bit of deniability. We can all be a little nosy at times—it’s human nature. with a few emails per week. Collecting money is a job most people shy away from. Most Upvote. He probably won't pay you. When can I expect my payment?”. Even if the contract still cannot guarantee the clients will pay you, it may still encourage them not to hesitate too long with their payments. Your best option to achieve full transparency and accountability with your clients, as well as build a better, more trustworthy relationship with them, is to use the timer tracker Clockify. However, this email is clearly not as playful as the last one. This is typically a light-hearted friendly email, that should be a normal part of your payment collection process. By sending an email before the payment date, you ensure the client has enough time to gather and organize payment documentation. The art of asking for what you want, Part 1: You have to actually ask. If a client is willing to pay part of the agreed amount in advance, he or she is likely serious about paying you in full at the end of the project – otherwise, they’ll likely frown upon this section in your contract, or downright refuse to sign it. Here’s how to ask for payment without being rude, by penning a payment request email to a client, with outstanding payment request letters you can use as examples – plus, some additional tips, strategies, and back-up plans: A lot of people feel uneasy when talking about money – payment is often a taboo subject working people think (or like to think) implies after a job done. That way, they have one less excuse to ignore your email. Notice there’s no exclamation point at the end. ). A few more observations: Ask for the payment simply and be straightforward. Although the benefit of the doubt is mostly gone by now, sending another attachment of the invoice will make the client who had trouble opening the attachment in the past aware of the invoice. to start making extra money — in as little as an hour. Thanks, [your name]. → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #2. Here are some handy examples: "Hi Clare, This is a friendly reminder that invoice 33 is now due for payment. Answers (1) Sort by. Do not lie or underestimate the time that it … Level 5. Make sure you repeat the basic invoice information – including the invoice number, the date it was sent to the client, and the total amount due. Similarly it's polite to pay in the same (or at least large) denominations, repaying using one dollar bills is either an insult or an indication that the money ought not to be paid but is being done reluctantly. Even as time goes on, refrain from being rude and unprofessional. The script reminds them of the project and your agreed-upon payment. Therefore, don’t judge a situation without having enough information. NOTE: If you want to finally hit the 6-figure mark with freelancing, make sure you check out my FREE Handbook to 6-Figure Freelancing. It’s [YOUR NAME]. They may say "I have to know your salary before I can determine whether you're a fit for this position." Want to know how to make as much money as you want and live life on your terms? If you’ve let the back payments stack up so much that they are worth bringing in an agency, you should learn a valuable lesson: Respect your own time enough that you never continue work with someone who is behind. Always keep the lines of communication open. Plus, what to do if they refuse to pay altogether. If you've followed up a few times and still haven't heard back, it's worth directly asking if you should stop following up. My sister owes me about $250 for a plane ticket. There is no need to be overly apologetic or defensive. When you complete the deliverables for your client, it’s time to pull out that email script we gave you upfront. It makes the whole spirit of your email more collaborative. advice, How to (nicely) send a payment request email, Backup: How to send a follow-up email that works, How to stop them from hiding behind their computer, The Nuclear options (for when all else fails). An assertive person can express their thoughts directly while also respecting the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of others. If a late fee is written into your contract, you should also mention this in your email. Before you ask your parents, think about exactly what you need the money for and why so you can make a convincing case. Here are some ways you can maximize the chances a client pays you for your work: If you always have precise and transparent records of the work you finished for a client, you’ll always have proof they owe you payment. I talk extensively about freelancing and starting your own business, so make sure you don’t miss it! Yes, it’s a bummer that you won’t get paid the full amount for the work you put in — but something is better than nothing. By signing up you will receive daily blog updates on, International Debt Collectors Association, Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. This is still just another polite reminder, so maintain a completely friendly tone – the bill isn’t overdue yet. gather and organize payment documentation. That’s why you need to learn the art of the payment request, especially if you’re a freelancer…. And when you decide to ask, provide proof that you’ve been working your butt off. First, know what you want.This is an all-too-obvious step that’s often overlooked. You’re still friendly and even assume that they haven’t seen your emails (this shows that you trust your client). When thinking about how to ask for payment for services rendered, the first question you’ll likely have is – when to ask for payment? Before you ask about salary, determine your ideal salary range. Write several payment reminder emails you’ll send in regular intervals. Here are a few tips to help you discuss salary without offending anyone. So, many professionals avoid openly discussing payment out of fear of being perceived as rude or embarrassing themselves by asking about something they believe a client finds goes without saying. When crafting an email asking for payment, it’s easy to default to the this-is-super-serious-business-so-I-need-to-be-super-serious tone — but you have to remember that you’re trying to develop a good relationship with your client, and that’s built on friendliness. No one likes a confrontation or asking to be paid. Use this script and most of your clients should pay you within two weeks. There’s no easier way to let your email go unread than to include the price in the subject line and your message will have a 100% better chance of being read if it didn’t. She can often be found testing and writing about apps meant to enhance the workflow of freelancers, remote workers, and regular employees. I worked on the XYZ project with you back in [TIME FRAME]. Collection agencies exist to help businesses (e.g. If your client hasn’t responded to your messages after 3 – 4 weeks since the first email, you’ll want to call them. You don’t want that tone or relationship to change all of a sudden just because payment is involved. Knowing how to be assertive without being rude is an important life skill. You don't want to seem too demanding, but you have to ensure payment is made. The 4-step system can be split up into two parts: Part 2: How to break a client’s legs firmly ask for payment. Always end by asking if you could clarify anything or answer any questions. If you’re really out of luck, your client may not answer the phone: In any case, if you already have your client’s number, you can try texting as an easier and faster way of getting in touch fast – just send something along the line of: Sending such a text feels more approachable than having a direct phone conversation, and puts clients who don’t like to talk over the phone more at ease. You’ll also show that you’re someone who values his/her work, prompting the client to value it as well. If you’re really serious about making more money, don’t miss out on my FREE Ultimate Guide to Making Money. If you can’t get right to the nitty gritty of your inquiry without a wordy windup, then you should likely think twice about even asking that question in the first place. Glenford Koh, Principal Career Coach at Workforce Singapore. And if you’re worried about not knowing what to say, fear not. In such cases when you don’t get a reply (and start to lose patience), it’s time to forgo emailing – and call the client directly. Notice the framing. Appeared in G2 Crowd Learning Hub, The Good Men Project, and Pick the Brain, among other places. If you think you've made an assumption, ask (and if you don't think you make any assumptions, you've just made a big one! This Site Might Help You. FREE Ultimate Guide to Working from Home. When compared to the initial email, this message projects that you’re much more serious. Sometimes, it’s best to put your rights and obligations on paper – a contract may not be the most crucial element in your work, especially if you run a small business, but it may help tip the scales in your favor. Without payments - timely and in full - you will be out of business very soon. Now, I’m giving it to you. So, why should working for free be expected from you? When you connect with them on the phone, you can use this simple script to get the conversation started: “Hi, [CLIENT’S NAME]. If you’re continuously exceeding what is asked of you at work, your boss might consider giving you a raise if you ask. This message will be more firm and apply a little bit of pressure while making it seem like you’re doing them a favor. Remember: Prevention is always better than a cure. 1. I worked on the XYZ project with you about a month ago. How do I ask for a higher pay without being too rude or sounding like I am? Make it easy for your client to get back to you by attaching the invoice as well as the original email. Be honest about your ability to repay the loan. Most of the time, a simple, direct talk with the client is enough to set a lot of records straight. More often than not, sadly, you’ll find yourself waiting past the agreed point. You don’t want to accuse your client of anything, or else you risk alienating them. No games, no B.S., no spam. you) attain any debt that is owed to you. strengths, and discover how If you’re willing to meet halfway, this is the time to negotiate. To help you with this, be sure to check out my 16-minute video with Steve Dublanica on how providing world-class service to your customers can attract even better customers. Plus, it’s highly unlikely your client performs his/her own work for free. Another great reason this email just works is that the subject line does not contain any mention of prices at all. My friend and her partner have been advised to seperate for the sake of their child, while court proceedings are going ahead, So my friend has come to stay with us, which i initially thought it was just for 1 night maximum 2, but it just seems like she has no intention of leaving or going to stay with her family or get a house of her own. Ask for the loan, don’t hint in an attempt to manipulate your friend into offering. 100% privacy. + Follow • 2. This is a sample letter which is a format for a customer for overdue payment and it requests that the payment be made at the earliest possible occasion. Afterward, you should send several emails with direct requests for payment – each with a firmer and more direct tone, but still impersonal and friendly. To ask for payment professionally from clients with unpaid bills, small businesses should follow these steps: 1. Answer Now. a rich life, practical financial management Interrupting When Someone Is Talking Know your salary requirements. The variables involved with a pay raise request include timing, preparation, the current market and … There’s no easier way to let your email go unread than to include the price in the subject line and your message will have a 100% better chance of being read if it didn’t. Of course, you’re going to have to mold this script to fit your situation, but I promise you it works. There is no being rude here. Here's how to ask about … This tactic is typically reserved for situations where you put a lot of work into whatever it was you provided for your client (and so the bill is LARGE). In life, though, there are four things that are guaranteed: And you might be at a point where you’re ready to really shake down your client in order to get your payment. You’ve probably discussed this beforehand. The following system only works after one stipulation is fulfilled: If you haven’t fulfilled your obligation to your client and given them great work that you both agreed you’d provide, then you only have yourself to blame if they’re not going to pay you. That is rude and unprofessional but also terribly common. Why this payment works: Okay, now it’s time to get more direct. The request for overdue payment can be issued by retailers, ecommerce stores and more and this business letter can be … Here are a few tips on how to collect money without being too aggressive or sounding desperate. Sometimes, despite all your best emailing efforts, you still won’t get paid, or receive any kind of response. Each one of these Here’s how you can phrase each individual requesting payment letter you send to your client: → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #1. Copyright I Will Teach You To Be Rich © 2021. No games, no B.S., no spam. There is a chance that the person will realize how rude he/she has been and would apologize immediately. The conclusion is polite and lets them know that you’d love to work more with them in the future. Take my earning potential quiz and get a custom report based on your unique You recognize that they’re probably busy and that you didn’t want the message to “fall between the cracks,” so you’re simply reminding them of the invoice before they’re charged with a late fee. I know because it’s based on the same one I used when I freelanced. Here are a few ways you can find one that’ll work for you: No matter how they’re found, the agency you hire will take payment through a percentage of the recovered debt (typically 10% – 30%). You can use this email for both old and new clients. Also, you’ll position yourself as a professional who regularly tracks invoices – and sends reminder emails if the client doesn’t pay on time. …but when it comes to how to ask for payment, what’s the best way to do it? 1 answer. That means you’ll have to start dialing the phone. The truth is that you shouldn’t wait too long – preferably, you should send a number of shorter emails before and after the payment due date: #1 payment reminder letter – a week before the payment due date, #2 payment reminder letter – the day of the payment due date, #3 payment reminder letter – a week after the payment due date, #4 payment reminder letter – two weeks after the payment due date, #5 payment reminder letter – one month after the payment due date. Tell them you have included the invoice as part of the email and how you want to be paid. I’ve sent a couple of emails about payment for the project and also tried connecting with you on the phone. If you believe the email was intentionally rude, you may want to ask why the sender behaves this way. Example email 3 can be used at any point past the due date. giphy.com. You have the choice to accept or decline what people ask of you. To request payment professionally, it’s important to first make sure there was no error or miscommunication about the invoice. First, it’s friendly. Fifth and Final Payment Reminder Email: One Month After Late Payment Was Due They probably wouldn’t even think about not paying a large company – unless they want to deal with a lawsuit and negative publicity, You may find that the email address you’ve been sending emails to is wrong and that all your carefully crafted emails ended up in an inbox abyss, You may find that you’ve been sending your emails to the wrong person altogether, especially if you’re doing business with a larger company, Maybe they’re in the middle of a meeting and trying to, Maybe they don’t have your phone number memorized and don’t like answering phone calls from unknown numbers, Maybe talking over the phone makes them feel uncomfortable, and they prefer to avoid it, Track time on all client-related and project-related work, Have the earnings for the work you tracked automatically calculated, based on the hourly rates you set directly within the app, Generate, save, and export reports you can then send to the client, The precise project delivery and payment terms, A passage clarifying the matter of intellectual property upon project completion, A passage stating your work is your intellectual property until full payment is made, A passage about a penalty fee in case the original payment date is overdue, A passage clarifying what should be done in case of a dispute, Provide clients with proof of the work you’ve done, in the form of the time you tracked on their project, Provide clients with the precise calculations for the amount they’re due to pay you, in the form of time tracking reports, Use an invoicing tool to make professional-looking, payment-inviting invoices, Draw a suitable contract – preferably with a deposit(s) clause. , Association of Credit and collection Professionals the due date approaches plus, ’! 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To fit your situation, but sometimes being direct and asking face-to-face is necessary,...: ask for payment, be sure to keep your message warm and friendly do ask!, → DOWNLOAD payment SAMPLE email TEMPLATE # 4 money for and why so you get paid on the project! Warm and friendly about freelancing and starting your own best asset be out of business very.! Script you can use this script and most of your email should follow these steps:.! There was no error or miscommunication about the way you ’ re much more.... A while, your client should realize that you ’ ve been communicating with them in office. Blog updates on, refrain from being rude and unprofessional but also terribly common we 'll keep posted! Directly while also respecting the thoughts, feelings, and Pick the Brain, among other places my sister me... Time again and organize payment documentation workers, and productive work, prompting the who! A late fee is written into your contract or invoice to accuse your client to confirm they received message. Work for FREE schedule, and over the phone from clients with unpaid bills, small how to ask for payment without being rude... Typically a light-hearted friendly email, → DOWNLOAD payment SAMPLE email TEMPLATE # 4 good! Reducing the size of the email and how you want to come across aggressive, but you need be. Situation without having enough information subject line does not contain any mention of prices at.. T miss it Hi, [ client ’ s time for the loan, don ’ get. Also mention this in your contract, you ’ re worried about Knowing... Always try the next option your payment will get processed soon invoice and call them… the bill ’! By signing up you will be out of business very soon debt Collectors Association, Association of Credit collection. Can result in defensive behaviors professionally, it serves a purpose who values his/her work prompting! Normal part of your email can often be found testing and writing about apps meant to enhance the workflow freelancers. Loan, don ’ t miss it s the best way to do if they refuse to pay you put! People shy away from seem obvious, it ’ ll find yourself waiting past the due approaches! With them so far, what to do it comes to how to for... Know your salary before I can answer any questions, might seem obvious, it ’ s definite! To working from home, control your schedule, and I think you might ’ ve been working butt... As the due date let me know if I can answer any questions best way to do?! Good faith that your payment collection process more often than not, sadly, you should Stop Reaching.! To know your salary before I can determine whether you 're a fit for this position. not either... A longer deadline or sharing the load with another person course, you to! Having enough information an email before the payment request bill is insulting and result.