“I’ll Pay You Next Week, Promise”: Classic Excuses and What to Do About Them
There’s a moment every business owner knows too well. The job’s done, the invoice is sent, and then… silence.
Or worse—the excuse parade begins.
“Hey mate, just waiting on another payment to come through first." “I’ll do it tonight, just flat out today." “Sorry, I thought my partner paid it already?” “Next week for sure, I promise.” “Can you just resend it again? I lost it. Again.”
Sound familiar?
If you've ever felt like you're stuck in a game of cat and mouse with a client who just can’t quite seem to pay you, you're not alone. It's not just you. This is a well-worn path trodden by good businesses trying to do good work—and getting strung along in the process.
So, let’s unpack what’s really going on here. Why do people give these excuses? What can you actually do about it? And how do we make sure we don’t end up here in the first place?
The Human Condition
First, let’s be generous for a moment. Most people don’t set out to be dodgy. But money triggers people. It taps into shame, fear, pride, ego. When things are tight, the instinct isn’t to confront—it’s to delay, distract, or disappear.
It’s a bit like when someone sees your number flash up and suddenly develops the need to water the driveway or alphabetise the spice rack. They’re not bad people. But they’re uncomfortable. And they’re hoping you’ll forget. (Spoiler: you won’t.)
Here’s the kicker: while they’re ducking your calls, you’re holding the bills. You’ve already paid the wages, bought the materials, done the time, and crossed your fingers that the money’s coming. And now you're walking the plank further and further out, with the sharks of unpaid bills and tight cash flow circling below.
And the longer it drags on, the harder it gets to ask. It starts to feel awkward, like you’re the one being a nuisance—when in reality, you’re just asking to be paid for work already delivered.
So What Can You Actually Do?
Right, let’s not stay in the problem. Let’s get into the solution.
Don’t Wait for the Excuse—Prevent It
The best time to prevent this dance is before the job even starts. Sounds obvious, but so many businesses skip this part. Here’s what to do:
Set clear payment terms before you begin—ideally in writing, with signatures, through solid Terms of Trade.
Request a deposit, especially for bigger jobs or where materials are being purchased up front.
Include milestone payments for longer projects. Don’t wait until the end to invoice for everything.
Put it all in writing. Every job, every agreement. Verbal promises are the currency of non-payers.
Follow Up With Confidence (Not Guilt)
When the due date comes and goes, follow up immediately. Not two weeks later. Not after you’ve stewed about it. You’re not being rude—you’re being a professional.
Say something simple and direct: "Hey John, just a reminder that invoice #123 was due on the 12th. Can you let me know when that’ll be sorted?"
And if they start with, “I’ll pay it by Friday, promise”—follow up on Friday. If it doesn’t arrive, don’t stew. Ask again. Politely. Professionally. But firmly.
Have a Plan for When Things Go Quiet
Sometimes the excuses stop altogether, and you just get ghosted. This is where having properly enforceable terms and access to support services (like, say, a credit control company with a cracking good rep) becomes worth its weight in gold.
Having legal Terms of Trade and secured credit arrangements gives you leverage. It puts you in the secured creditor seat instead of being the nice guy at the back of the queue.
Lessons from the Excuse Files
Over the years, I’ve heard just about every variation of “I’ll pay you soon.” And here’s what I’ve learned:
If someone wants to pay you, they will. It might not be immediate, but they’ll be proactive. They’ll keep you updated. They’ll make arrangements. It won’t just be empty promises.
The longer someone delays, the harder it gets for them to admit they’re stuck. That’s why follow-up early is key—it gives them less runway to spiral.
You can be kind and clear at the same time. Boundaries aren’t rudeness—they’re professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Running a business shouldn’t mean turning into a full-time payment chaser. You didn’t sign up to be an amateur detective or a mind-reader—you signed up to do great work and get paid fairly for it.
So next time the excuses roll in, smile knowingly (you’ve seen this show before), and respond with calm, clear steps. Even better, build your systems so the excuses don’t stand a chance.
That’s where I come in—helping good businesses like yours get paid right, on time, every time.
Because chasing money shouldn’t be your full-time job. Doing what you do best should be.
