Debt Collection WhatsApp Messages: 5 Real Examples

Collecting payments from your customers on WhatsApp can be much simpler than you imagine ⚡

Very often, the difference between an incomplete purchase and a closed sale comes down to one effective message asking your customers to pay on WhatsApp. But how do you politely ask to get paid?

In this article, I'll help you identify the most common types of messages for requesting payments and how to write them for your business. I'll also share real examples of messages to collect payments on WhatsApp, taken from KFC, hotels and online stores, so you can see how they do it and adapt it to your own style. As a bonus, at the end I'll tell you about an option to automate your WhatsApp sales 😉

How to write an effective payment collection message on WhatsApp (with 4 templates for you)

Before we get to the real messages I have for you, it's important to understand the types of collection messages that exist and what to keep in mind when writing one (this will help us as we analyze each example). 

Identify the payment request messages in your business:

There are different types of collection messages you can use throughout your sales cycle. Each one has a specific purpose, and it's important to adapt them to your business needs. Here are a few examples so you can recognize your own: 

Friendly reminder about a pending payment 🙂

This is the general message you send right after the customer has confirmed their interest in buying your product. 

• Example message template: "So glad you like [product/service], [name]! To make sure it reaches you soon, all we need is for you to complete the payment of [amount]. Would you like to go ahead with the payment now, or would you like to add anything else to your order?"

Payment deadline message 📅

If your product or service is paid in installments or on delivery, it's a good idea to send a reminder message. The goal is to write a clear message so the customer stays aware of the pending payment and doesn't miss the date.

• Example message template: "We'd like to remind you that your payment of [amount] is due before [date]. If for any reason you need more time, please let us know. We're here to help!" 

Overdue payment message 🕓

This is considered one of the most challenging collection messages because the payment date has already passed. Here it's important to keep a respectful tone and offer solutions in case there's any issue with the payment.

• Example message template: "Hi [Name]! Your payment of [amount] for [product/service] was scheduled for [date] and we still haven't received it. Please let us know if you've already made the payment or if you're having any trouble. We're here to help you sort out any issue!"

Abandoned cart message 🛒

The abandoned cart message is an excellent one for e-commerce, and it's about reminding your customers about the products they left pending. In this case, the message focuses more on the opportunity to complete the purchase, and you can use a more persuasive tone.

• Example message template: "Hi, [name]! It looks like you left some items in your cart. No worries! They're still available for you.If you need help finishing your purchase or have any questions, don't hesitate to message us. We'd love for you to get what you picked out!"

Key elements of an effective collection message on WhatsApp

When it comes to collecting payments from your customers, it's essential that the message is direct and clear, but also empathetic. Here are some elements to consider so your message is effective while keeping a good relationship with your customer:

• Short and concise: Nobody likes receiving long messages, especially when it's about collecting payment. Customers want to quickly know what they need to do, without wasting time reading endless paragraphs. So skip the fluff and get to the point.

• Friendly: Even though it's a collection message, you don't need to be rude or cold. A friendly tone builds more trust and keeps the customer from feeling attacked or pressured. Think of it as talking to a friend and reminding them about something important.

• Payment link or payment methods: To make your customer's life easier, always include your payment link or mention which methods you accept in your business. Make sure to offer several options if possible, since every customer has their own preferences.
  
• Smart automation: Sending reminders and managing collections can be a repetitive process that takes a lot of time. One option is to use cutting-edge tools with artificial intelligence (AI) like Moonflow, which automates your collections management process, saving money and time while improving your collection metrics. On top of that, they just launched version 3.0 of their virtual agent MoonFlow Talk, which personalizes every message with your brand's tone of voice.

5 real examples of messages to collect payments on WhatsApp

Now, let's look at real messages that businesses use when collecting payments on WhatsApp. This will help us see how best practices and message types translate into a real-world context. 

I've gathered five collection messages from industries like restaurants, veterinary medicine, lodging, natural cosmetics and gardening. If your products or services belong to other sectors, don't worry, because you can learn from these messages and adapt them to your business.

Example 1: KFC's WhatsApp payment collection message

The KFC Peru bot guides the user from choosing products all the way to collecting payment for the order. In the image, you can see the use of short, concise messages that mention the selected products, the amount to be charged and the payment methods. 

It even offers the option to add more products with a direct link to the menu, making the process easier for the customer. It also uses emojis that convey the brand's personality from start to finish.

Example 2: A hotel's WhatsApp payment collection message

In this example from a lodging service, the message is clear and direct, indicating that payment is required to confirm the reservation.

It also includes a direct link and explains the available payment methods. Simple and effective.

Example 3: A bonsai store's WhatsApp collection message

A bonsai store in Lima requests payment right after confirming the product's delivery date. Here they used visual elements (an image) to share all the available payment methods, including the account holder's name.

On one hand, the image is super convenient so the customer can see all the options at a glance and easily save it on their phone. However, it would be good to also provide that information briefly in writing. That way the person can copy the account numbers and make the payment right away.

Example 4: A veterinary pharmacy's WhatsApp collection message

Pharma Pet uses general collection messages and elevates them by bolding the most important phrases. Paying attention to the style of your messages also makes them easier to read and more effective.

In this example, they confirm the order details and then state that "every order is processed only after payment," including a deadline. Finally, they send the payment methods and accounts. 

Example 5: An e-commerce store's WhatsApp payment collection message

Cataleya Store has an AI agent that handles selling its products on WhatsApp from start to finish. 

In this example, you can see how it shares product information, confirms the delivery location and simply mentions the payment method (cash on delivery). 

It uses a conversational tone and emojis, which makes the message easy to read. It also offers a cross-selling option before payment, meaning it shows additional products the customer might be interested in to increase the order value. Use this tip wisely!

Try yavendió!, the AI agent that boosts your sales on WhatsApp

If you've made it this far, you already have everything you need to create an effective message to collect payments on WhatsApp. 

Now, if you want to take it a step further, you can let an AI agent handle not just your collection messages but your entire WhatsApp sales process, from start to finish! 

yavendió! is an AI-powered virtual salesperson specialized in e-commerce sales: it learns about your business, responds to your customers and closes sales 24/7. 

Want to try it? At yavendió! we use the same technology we offer our clients for our own AI agent. Chat with yavendió!sita today and get a free demo 🤖