Invoice £2,472. They send £2,000 with “that should cover it.” It does not. If you reply with a thumbs-up, you just accepted a new price on WhatsApp.
The sequence
| Step | You do |
|---|---|
| See the short | Do not thank them for “paying” as if it is done |
| Write the gap | Received X, invoice Y, due Z |
| Ask why | Mistake, snag, or they crossed a line out |
| Agree or pause | New line in writing, or remainder paid |
Thanks — £2,000 landed 6 May against INV-142. The invoice is £2,472, so £472 is still due. Was that a part-payment, or is there a line you think is wrong? The extra radiator was accepted on Tuesday at £380 + VAT. Happy to look at a genuine snag — that doesn’t change this invoice until we agree it.
If they meant a part-payment, get a date for the rest. If they meant “I am not paying for the radiator,” you are back to extras they did or did not accept — not a silent discount.
What people miss
Receipting it as paid in full. Your books and theirs will disagree. Show it as part-paid.
Starting the next room. Leverage you still had was leaving. Do not pour more labour on a short invoice.
Matching their figure to “keep them sweet.” Then every invoice will come in light.
Arguing the whole job. One disputed extra is one line. The rest can still clear.
Related guides
FAQ
- They rounded down for cash.
- Cash is a method, not a discount, unless you offered one. Ask for the rest or write a credit you actually agreed.
- Bank fees ate £8.
- If they paid from abroad, say so and decide once. Do not eat random shortfalls as a habit.
- CIS deducted more than I expected.
- Check the labour figure on the invoice. CIS is not VAT and it is not “they paid short” if the deduction was correct. Not tax advice.
- They paid a different quote number.
- Allocate it in writing: this sum against INV-142. Do not let two jobs share a mystery lump.
