What Is Dunning?

Dunning is the process of contacting customers in a planned sequence to collect money they owe. It runs from a polite reminder around the due date to firmer follow-ups and, if needed, a final notice before collections. The word is most common in subscription billing, where it also covers retrying failed card payments.

For a freelancer or small business, dunning means deciding in advance when you will follow up and what you will say, so collecting money stops depending on mood or memory. A typical sequence is a reminder a few days before the due date, a note on the due date, then follow-ups at 7, 14 and 30 days overdue, each one firmer than the last.

Every dunning message should name the invoice number, the amount and the due date, and include a pay link. Dunning works best alongside clear payment terms and, if you charge one, a late fee stated on the invoice.

On Pro and Business plans, SolidInvoice sends automated payment reminders for unpaid invoices, so the sequence runs without you writing each email.