What to Do When a Client Ghosts You

If you’ve ever had a client disappear just as your invoice is due, you’ll know how strange and unsettling it can feel.

One minute, you’re chatting through work, getting on with your tasks, delivering what’s been agreed. The next? Radio silence. Your messages go unanswered. Your invoice is overdue. And you’re left wondering what on earth just happened.

No heads-up. No negative feedback. No “things are a bit tight this month.” Just nothing.

Sometimes, you’ll have spotted the red flags: maybe they were vague from the start or regularly paid late. But other times, it comes completely out of the blue.

So, what do you do when a client ghosts you and your invoice is outstanding?

Step 1: Show Professional Concern

If there haven’t been any red flags, it’s worth checking in with genuine care. Life happens. They may be unwell, overwhelmed, or something serious may have come up.

Reach out in a way that keeps things open and professional.

Example message:

Hi [Client], I hope everything’s OK your end. Just checking in as I’ve not heard back from you and wanted to make sure all is well. I noticed the invoice from [date] is still outstanding, so I'm attaching a copy here for ease. Thanks.

Keep it warm but to the point. If you use accounting software, send a reminder through there too.

Step 2: Pause Work and Protect Your Time

If another week goes by and there’s still no response, it’s time to pause any further support. This isn’t about making a point, it’s about protecting your time, energy, and business.

Let them know you’re pausing work and why, and gently highlight the importance of communication.

Example message:

Hi [Client], I haven’t heard back and just wanted to clarify what’s happening with your support this month. I’ve paused any ongoing work while I wait to hear from you. If you’re having any issues at your end, I’m happy to chat through options including a short-term payment plan. Just let me know.

This allows you to step back without stepping away entirely and makes it clear that ongoing silence isn’t sustainable for your business.

Step 3: Reinforce Your Terms and Confirm Your Next Step

If you still haven’t received a reply after checking in and pausing work, it’s time to formally reinforce your contract and set a clear deadline for payment.

This step is about being firm, professional, and clear. You’ve fulfilled your part of the agreement now you're simply outlining the expectations you both agreed to.

Here’s what to include in your final follow-up:

✅ Refer to the agreement – Remind the client of the terms they signed, especially around payment terms and notice periods for ending the contract.

✅ State the current situation – Briefly summarise that you’ve not received a response and have already paused work while awaiting communication.

✅ Mention time held – If it’s a retainer, point out that you’ve reserved time specifically for their business, which impacts your planning and capacity.

✅ Acknowledge challenges (if appropriate) – Let them know you understand that things like cashflow issues can happen, and you’re open to solutions if they’re honest with you.

✅ Set a clear payment deadline – Choose a firm date and communicate it clearly (e.g. “by end of day Friday”).

✅ Make next steps clear – Outline what will happen if you don’t receive payment (e.g. cancellation of retainer, late fees if applicable).

When a client ghosts you, especially when everything seemed fine, it can feel deeply personal. But more often than not, it’s not about your work, your skills, or you as a person.

Most people don’t start a business with the intention of avoiding payments. But when things get financially tough or emotionally overwhelming, some people hide rather than communicate. They may be embarrassed. They may feel awkward. They may not know how to say, “I can’t afford this right now.” And instead of being upfront, they disappear.

It doesn’t make it right but it helps to understand it’s not a reflection of your worth.

What You Can Do to Recover the Payment

If you still haven’t received payment and the client hasn’t confirmed when or if they will pay, here are some practical steps you can take:

• Follow up with a final reminder, referencing your contract and clearly stating what happens if payment remains outstanding (e.g. service termination, late fees, or further action)

• Send any additional invoices for time worked if the agreement was ongoing

• Log everything in writing and keep your paper trail

• Use a debt recovery service if the amount is significant 

• Decide when to draw a line—sometimes peace of mind is worth more than the invoice!

Being ghosted by a client is a weird, uncomfortable experience and if it’s happened to you, you’re definitely not alone.

Try not to let it knock your confidence. You’ve acted professionally, fulfilled your part, and done everything you can to follow up with care and clarity.

It’s not always possible to predict who might ghost you, but there are some early signs that can help you spot a potentially tricky client in the future:

🚩 Vague about what they need
🚩 Frequently late with payments
🚩 Poor communication (doesn’t respond to messages, frequently cancels or rearranges calls, or is hard to pin down for updates or decisions)
🚩 Chaotic business operations (has unclear systems, or their overall way of working feels disorganised and reactive)
🚩 You feel undervalued or unclear from the start

Take the learning, tighten up your process if needed, and focus your efforts on bringing in a new client who values what you do and respects how you work.