From the AI playbook for painters and decorators

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Job 6 of 17ChatGPTGemini

Write a letter before a small claim

When a customer simply won't pay, a clear final letter often gets the money without court, and you're expected to send one before claiming anyway. It needs to be factual and calm.

Time: 15 minutesTool cost: you can start with a free AI tool

A free AI chat tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot or Claude)

Steps

Gather the invoice, the quote, messages agreeing the work, and photos of the finished job.
Read the GOV.UK "make a court claim for money" guidance.
Run the prompt below.
Check every date and amount against your invoice.
If the customer is an individual (not a business), include the information sheet and reply form the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims requires.
Send it by email and recorded post, and diary the deadline.

The exact prompt

Copy, paste, then fill in the [brackets]

Write a letter before claim (under 200 words) from a [UK] decorator.
Amount owed: [£]. Work done: [summary, dates]. Invoice ref: [x]. Previous reminders: [dates].
Ask for payment or a reply within 30 days (in England and Wales, the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims gives individual customers 30 days), say I may make a court claim if not paid. Factual and calm.

✓ Check before you send

The facts and amounts are correct.
The court rules are checked on GOV.UK.
There are no threats beyond saying you may make a claim.
You keep proof of sending.

UK notes extra

GOV.UK: make a court claim for money.

Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑

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