A client paid two of three installments and went quiet; how do I resend the invoice showing what is left?
Recreate the same invoice, with the same number and the same issue date, type the sum of the installments received into 'Amount paid', and add a reminder line with the overdue date in the notes. The PDF then shows the total, what has been paid and the exact balance, and you send it with a short, polite message.
Why the same invoice, not a new one
Because it is one debt. Issue a new invoice with a new number for the last installment and it looks like a fresh order in the client's books; they may pay it and think the original is still open, or reject it because they cannot place it. Resending the original with the payments updated keeps everything where it belongs.
The snag is that the Basic invoice generator keeps no invoices. You need your own copy of the original PDF to carry the details across exactly: number, date, lines and prices. Any change, even in one description, makes the two versions look like different invoices.
Step by step, with an example
An online store setup worth 9,000 SAR, billed in three equal installments of 3,000. The first two arrived, then the client stopped replying after 1 September.
- Open your copy of invoice INV-2026-0019 and re-enter its details exactly, including the original issue date.
- In the amount-paid field enter what has arrived: 3,000 + 3,000 = 6,000.
- In the notes write: 'Reminder: third installment overdue since 1 September. First received 5 July, second 4 August.'
- Create the file and check that the balance matches the missing installment.
Total: 9,000.00 SAR
Amount paid: -6,000.00 SAR
Balance due: 3,000.00 SAR
After the first installment alone, the same invoice would have shown 3,000.00 paid and 6,000.00 due. Each update to the paid field moves the balance exactly.
What to say in the reminder
Keep it short and specific, and let the numbers do the work: 'Hi Khalid, attached is invoice INV-2026-0019 updated with the two installments received, thank you for those. The remaining 3,000 SAR was due on 1 September. Would a transfer this week work for you?' A question at the end invites a reply far better than a threat does.
Details to watch
- If the original due date has passed, leave it as it is; the tool accepts it as long as it is on or after the invoice date.
- Do not change prices or add late fees unless your written agreement provides for them.
- Save the updated copy under a different name in your archive so the original is not overwritten.
- When the last installment arrives, give the client a receipt from the Receipt generator that quotes the invoice number.
