How To Chase an Unpaid Invoice as a Performer in the UK
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Paid What You're Owed
You invoiced them. They ignored it. Now what? Here's a step-by-step guide to getting paid — and the one change that means you'll never have to do this again.
The Real Problem — You're Taking All the Risk
You delivered the performance. You sent the invoice. And now you're waiting — refreshing your bank app, drafting polite emails, trying not to sound desperate.
This is what happens when performers do the work first and hope the money follows.
That model is broken.
AnyGig flips it — payment is secured before the event. The hirer commits the funds upfront through the platform. You perform. Funds are released to you automatically. No invoice. No chasing. No stress.
If you're here right now though, you need to deal with this invoice first. Here's exactly how.
Why Performers Struggle to Get Paid
Freelance performers are in a uniquely vulnerable position when it comes to payment. You deliver the work first — then wait to be paid. There's no employer withholding tax, no HR department to escalate to, no guaranteed payment date. Just you, your invoice, and a client who may or may not pay on time.
Here's how to chase effectively — and what to do at each stage.
If You Didn't Secure Payment Upfront, You Now Have to Chase — Here's How
Send a polite but clear email. Keep it brief:
"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on invoice [number] for [event/date], which was due on [date]. Could you confirm when payment will be made? I've attached the invoice for reference."
CC in anyone else relevant. Sometimes invoices genuinely get lost — give them the benefit of the doubt once.
The Formal Chase
If no response after your first reminder, escalate your language:
"This invoice is now [X] days overdue. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, interest is now accruing at 8% above base rate. Please arrange payment by [new date] to avoid further action."
Attach the invoice again. Send it to the most senior person you have contact with.
Late Payment Notice
Send a formal Late Payment Notice stating:
- The debt and original due date
- The interest now accruing under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998
- The fixed recovery charge (£40 for debts under £1,000)
- A final payment deadline of 7 days
You can write this yourself — no solicitor needed.
Small Claims Court
If the client still hasn't paid, file a claim at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money. For debts up to £10,000 in England and Wales this is a straightforward online process. Court fees are recoverable if you win.
Keep every email, invoice and contract as evidence.
The Permanent Fix — Stop Chasing Invoices Altogether
Every hour spent chasing unpaid invoices is an hour not spent performing, building your career or finding new work.
AnyGig eliminates the problem entirely — payment is held before the event and released to you automatically after the performance. No chasing. Ever.
Payment secured upfront
Hirer commits funds before the event. You perform with complete confidence.
Auto-generated contract
Your terms, fee and cancellation policy are protected from day one.
Automatic release
Funds released to you automatically 24 hours after your performance.