An unpaid invoice from a business is one of the cleanest debts to chase. It's commercial, not consumer, so the process is straightforward, and a well-written demand letter alone gets a lot of invoices paid.
The amount owed and exactly what it's for (reference the invoice numbers and dates). A short, factual account that payment is overdue. A clear deadline (commonly 10 to 14 days). And the consequence if ignored: that you'll pursue the debt in court, with interest and costs.
Keep the tone professional. Date it, sign it, and keep a copy plus proof of mailing.
Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, and email a copy too. The receipt proves they got it. Give a real deadline and mean it.
You can sue. In New York City small claims you can sue for up to $10,000; most other New York courts cap small claims around $5,000, with civil court for larger amounts. On a written contract you can generally claim statutory pre-judgment interest (9% per year) plus court costs. Once you win, New York lets you collect against the debtor's bank accounts, wages, and property, and a judgment stays enforceable for 20 years.
No. You can send it yourself, and Banksy's free letter is a self-help tool. For more weight, a New York attorney can review it and send it on firm letterhead.
Usually 10 to 14 days from the date of the letter.
On a written contract in New York you can generally claim statutory pre-judgment interest of 9% per year, and court costs if you sue and win. Confirm the specifics for your situation.