Prevent first
The best cure is prevention: clear payment terms on every invoice, short deadlines (for example 14 days), and a deposit on larger jobs. The clearer your terms upfront, the stronger your position later.
Step 1: The friendly reminder
The day after the due date, send a polite reminder. Often a payment is simply forgotten or stuck in an approval queue. A friendly nudge resolves most cases with the relationship intact.
Step 2: The formal demand (aanmaning)
If the friendly reminder is ignored, send a formal written demand ("aanmaning") with a final deadline (commonly 14 days). State clearly that you will take further steps if payment stays out. For consumers, a specific formal notice ("14-dagenbrief") is required before you can add collection costs.
Step 3: Add interest and collection costs
Once a debtor is officially in default, you are entitled to statutory interest and reasonable collection costs ("incassokosten") on top of the original amount. This is a legal right rather than a favour, and it makes late payment costlier for the client.
Step 4: Use a collection agency or bailiff
If payment still stays out, a collection agency ("incassobureau") or bailiff ("deurwaarder") can pursue the debt for you. They take a fee, but for stubborn cases this is often effective.
Step 5: Court
As a last resort, you can take the matter to court. For smaller, undisputed debts there are simplified procedures. Weigh the cost and effort against the amount owed before going down this road.
Where this leads
This question continues in Liability as an Entrepreneur in the Netherlands, Drafting Terms and Conditions for Your Dutch Business and Protecting Your Trade Name.