Am I insured through Helpi?

You’re responsible for your own liability and business insurance.

Can I be removed from the platform?

Yes. Repeated complaints, no-shows, or breaches of our Terms of Service will result in suspension or removal.

How do the ratings impact me?

Your Hero Rating is visible on your profile which the customer can see – we find highly rated Heroes get more jobs and more earnings so it always pays to make a good impression with every job you do.

Will the customers be able to rate Heroes?

Yes- after every job, the customer will rate the Hero who completed it, and that rating will appear on their Helpi profile.

What if there’s a dispute?

If the dispute happens whilst you are with the customer try and settle the issue there and then. If you cannot come to an agreement contact Helpi support. We’ll review all messages, job notes, and evidence (like photos) to help resolve disputes fairly.

The job is different to the one the customer booked?

Please explain this to the customer whilst you are there and get agreement for any additional charges you may need to make – for example if the customer booked one hour but you need two hours. You will then have the ability to update the price in the app, however, note the customer also needs to confirm the price change too.

What happens if a customer cancels?

If the job is cancelled last minute, you may still be eligible for partial payment. Each case is reviewed based on our cancellation policy.

Can the customer reschedule?

Life happens – so sometimes the customer may need to reschedule. Helpi tries to minimize this by reminding customers of booked and upcoming jobs so Hero’s have less movement in their calendars.

So what does Helpi do?

The Helpi platform connects qualified trades and service professionals with thousands of customers in an easy and accessible app and offers a secure method of payment allowing you to earn when you want.

Am I employed by Helpi?

No. You’re an independent contractor, not an employee. You control your schedule, accept the jobs you want and are responsible for the work you carry out for the customer.

Can I choose which jobs to take?

Yes! You’ll be notified when new jobs are available. Accept the ones you want- there’s no obligation.

After completing a job, Helpi releases your payment (minus platform fees) to your registered bank account, typically within 3–5 working days.

What are the requirements?

You must be at least 18, have the right to work in your area, own your tools (where applicable), and hold relevant licenses or certifications.

Register on the Helpi Team app, upload your ID, any qualifications, and complete your profile. Once approved, you can start accepting jobs.

What is a Helpi Hero?

Heroes are independent professionals who use the Helpi platform to find customers and earn money by providing home services.

Helpi Team UK

How to Chase Late Payments as a Tradesperson (Without the Awkwardness)

Written by

Helpi Team

Published on

08 Dec 2025

As a tradesperson, there’s nothing more frustrating than completing a job to a high standard—only to be left chasing payment for days, weeks, or even months. While most customers are honest and punctual, late payments can seriously impact your cash flow, morale, and ability to grow your business.

So how do you chase overdue payments professionally without burning bridges or wasting time? In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

Why do late payments happen
What to do when a customer delays
The best scripts and steps to follow

How platforms like Helpi reduce risk (with no fees for Heroes)

Why Do Customers Delay Payments?

Before jumping to conclusions, it helps to understand the common reasons behind late payments:

Forgetfulness – the customer may have every intention to pay, but simply hasn’t gotten around to it
Dispute or dissatisfaction – they may have an unresolved concern about the work
Cash flow problems – some clients delay because they’re juggling finances
Lack of structure – no clear terms or due dates were agreed upon up front

That’s why it’s important to set clear payment expectations before the job starts, and to remain calm and professional when chasing late payments.

What to Do When a Payment Is Late

Here’s a step-by-step guide for handling overdue invoices with tact and professionalism:

1. Send a Friendly Reminder (1–3 days late)

Start with a polite nudge. This can be a quick WhatsApp or email. Keep it light and non-confrontational:

“Hi [Name], just a quick reminder that the invoice for the job completed on [date] is now due. Let me know if you need me to resend the payment details. Thanks again!”

This often solves the issue without drama.

2. Issue a Formal Reminder (7–14 days late)

If you’ve had no response, send a second message in a more formal tone, attaching the invoice again:

“Hi [Name], I noticed the payment for the recent work at [address] hasn’t come through yet. As per our agreement, this was due on [date]. Please confirm when the payment will be made. Let me know if there’s any issue I can help with.”

Make sure you’re tracking all communications in case legal action is needed later.

3. Make a Phone Call (2–3 weeks late)

Sometimes, messages can be ignored—but a direct call cuts through the silence. Remain calm, don’t get aggressive, and aim to find out what’s causing the delay:

“Hi [Name], I just wanted to touch base about the outstanding invoice for [job]. I know life gets busy, so I wanted to see if there’s anything holding things up. When can I expect payment to come through?”

Often, this brings the issue to a head and gets things resolved quickly.

When to Escalate the Matter

If the client continues to ignore you or refuses to pay, it may be time to:

Send a Final Demand Letter – stating payment is overdue and will be pursued formally
Add Late Payment Fees – if included in your terms (UK law allows interest and admin fees)
Use a Debt Collection Service – agencies can pursue unpaid invoices for a fee or commission
Make a Money Claim Online (MCOL) – this is the government’s small claims court process

Most tradespeople avoid court unless necessary, but showing you’re willing to escalate can sometimes prompt fast payment.

Top Tips to Avoid Late Payments in the Future

Use written quotes and invoices
– Always issue clear paperwork with due dates, payment terms, and bank details.
Agree on payment terms up front
– This sets expectations and avoids confusion later.
Take deposits for larger jobs
– Asking for 25–50% upfront protects you from total loss if payment is delayed.
Use platforms like Helpi
– Helpi gives you job certainty without charging Heroes a penny to join or accept work. Payments are pre-verified, and support is available if anything goes wrong.

Use digital tools
– Simple invoicing apps like Joist, QuickBooks, or even Helpi’s in-app tools help you look professional and track payments easily.

How Helpi Helps Tradespeople Get Paid Faster

Unlike other platforms, Helpi doesn’t charge tradespeople to join or take jobs. This means:

You keep 100% of your quoted price
You get access to verified customers
You have a clear platform record of your completed jobs
If something goes wrong, Helpi support helps mediate

By working through a trusted platform, you reduce admin, eliminate awkward chasing, and focus on what you do best—getting the job done.

Final Thoughts

Chasing payments is never fun, but it’s part of being self-employed. Stay polite, stay professional, and don’t let one late payer drain your energy. With the right tools, clear communication, and a proactive approach, you can protect your cash flow and get paid on time.

And remember—with Helpi, you’ll never pay to win work. No subscriptions, no lead fees—just real jobs from real customers, on your terms.

👉 Join Helpi as a Hero

Download Helpi Team now

For all your home needs, download the Helpi Team app on the iOS App Store and Android Play Store now.