A demand for payment: what it needs to be effective

A demand for payment is the cheapest and fastest stage of debt recovery. A well-prepared letter shows the debtor that the case is documented and has a real prospect of going to court. Many businesses pay at this stage.

• Precise identification of the creditor and debtor (names, NIP tax identification numbers, addresses).
• The basis of the claim: invoice or agreement number, date of service or delivery.
• The principal amount and accrued late-payment interest (including the calculation basis).
• For B2B transactions: compensation for recovery costs (EUR 40/70/100), which we describe in a separate article.
• A payment deadline (usually 7 or 14 days) and bank account number for payment.
• Information on further steps if payment is not made (court proceedings, costs borne by the debtor).

Market practice is 7 or 14 days from delivery. A shorter deadline speeds things up; a longer one may be justified for regular business partners with whom you want to maintain relations. The deadline must be clear and calculable.

The safest method is registered post with acknowledgment of receipt, together with an email. Proof of posting and delivery will be useful in court as evidence that the debtor had an opportunity to pay amicably.

One properly prepared demand is usually enough. A second letter makes sense if the debtor has made contact and promises repayment. If they remain silent, further reminders merely delay recovery while the claim approaches its limitation deadline.

Submit your case online: we will prepare a demand with a full interest calculation and take the case forward, including to the e-court. You pay commission only on the amount actually recovered.