Using SMS for payment reminders

Late payment is often an overlooked invoice rather than a refusal to pay. A short, polite, actionable SMS puts the deadline back in view.

A timely reminder can make a difference

In an Australian controlled trial involving roughly 24,000 customers, an SMS reminder increased repayments in the following month by AUD 134 on average, or 28%, compared with no message. The study did not detect a comparable email effect.

That result belongs to a specific study and does not guarantee the same uplift for every business, but it shows the potential of a simple timely prompt.

Build a gradual sequence

Send a polite reminder before the due date, perhaps another on the date, and only then follow up. Stop immediately once payment is recorded.

Allow replies so customers can report a payment, missing invoice or problem.

  • Clearly identify the business
  • Limit sensitive information
  • Offer one simple next step
  • Keep human review before escalation

Automate without losing respect

The BeSMS API can receive an event from billing software, send the right template and record replies.

Define stop rules and sensible sending times, and validate legal requirements for each market and audience.

BeSMS

Turn the idea into a campaign.

Create an account or talk to us about API integration and volume pricing.