- SSignalSpot trouble before the due date.
- EEngageMake the first contact easy to answer.
- TTraceFind the real reason it's unpaid.
- TTalkNegotiate an outcome both sides can keep.
- LLockPut the agreement in writing.
- EEscalateEscalate with cause, on a clean record.
- SSignalSpot trouble before the due date.
- EEngageMake the first contact easy to answer.
- TTraceFind the real reason it's unpaid.
- TTalkNegotiate an outcome both sides can keep.
- LLockPut the agreement in writing.
- EEscalateEscalate with cause, on a clean record.
The SETTLE Method: a six-step way to resolve overdue invoices.
Most late invoices don't need another reminder or a collection agency. They need a conversation. SETTLE is a method for having it early, fairly and in writing.
Reminders stop working. Collections costs too much.
Reminders work until a customer disputes the invoice, goes quiet or breaks a promise to pay. A collection agency or lawyer can get results, but it costs money and often the customer. Between the two sits the account that needs a conversation, not another reminder. Most businesses handle that stage ad hoc, if they handle it at all. SETTLE gives it a structure.
One method, six steps.
Each step has a job, a common mistake to avoid, and a clear split between what software can do and what a person should do.
- SSignalSpot trouble before the due date.Read the Signal step
- EEngageMake the first contact easy to answer.Read the Engage step
- TTraceFind the real reason it's unpaid.Read the Trace step
- TTalkNegotiate an outcome both sides can keep.Read the Talk step
- LLockPut the agreement in writing.Read the Lock step
- EEscalateEscalate with cause, on a clean record.Read the Escalate step
Signal and Engage happen before the conversation. Trace, Talk and Lock are the conversation. Escalate is what you do if it fails.
Three ideas behind it.
Diagnose before you negotiate.
An invoice is rarely unpaid for the reason you assume. Disputes, cash flow problems, admin errors and avoidance each need a different response.
Agree in writing.
A verbal promise is a hope. A written agreement with amounts, dates and consequences is something you can rely on.
Escalate on a clean record.
If it comes to a formal step, every contact, offer and reply should already be on file.
AI for volume. People for judgement.
In Chasyr, the AI Copilot handles the repetitive work in each step. A person makes the calls that need judgement.
- Signal
- The Copilot: Watches payment patterns and flags accounts that are drifting
- You or your team: Sets the risk thresholds and picks accounts for personal attention
- Engage
- The Copilot: Drafts and schedules well-timed messages
- You or your team: Approves tone and policy, and handles key accounts personally
- Trace
- The Copilot: Reads replies and sorts the cause: dispute, cash flow, admin error or avoidance
- You or your team: Confirms the cause on complex accounts
- Talk
- The Copilot: Prepares context, options and suggested scripts
- You or your team: Leads the conversation
- Lock
- The Copilot: Drafts the agreement terms
- You or your team: Reviews and signs off
- Escalate
- The Copilot: Compiles the record of every contact and offer
- You or your team: Decides whether to escalate
You can use SETTLE without Chasyr. Chasyr is the platform that runs it for you. Join the Chasyr waitlist
Built for the people who get paid late.
Finance leaders and business owners
A repeatable way to protect cash flow without souring your best customers.
Accounts receivable and payable teams
A shared language, scripts and a sequence for handling difficult accounts.
Accountants, bookkeepers and advisors
A framework to recommend to clients who struggle to get paid.
Start with a score.
The AR Health Scorecard rates your current process across five areas: process and systems, legal and contractual readiness, negotiation and conflict skills, technology and AI adoption, and outcomes. It has 20 questions and is scored out of 100.
Questions
What is the SETTLE Method?
A six-step framework for resolving overdue business invoices: Signal, Engage, Trace, Talk, Lock and Escalate. It covers the stage between routine reminders and formal collection.
Do I need Chasyr to use it?
No. You can apply the method with your own team and tools. Chasyr is the platform that runs it with an AI Copilot and human support.
How is it different from sending payment reminders?
Reminders repeat a request. SETTLE starts by finding out why the invoice is unpaid, then negotiates an outcome and records it.
Is this legal advice?
No. SETTLE is a framework for good practice. Obligations vary by state, contract and situation, so get advice for your circumstances before taking formal steps.
Does it replace a collection agency or a lawyer?
No. It aims to resolve more accounts before they need one, and to leave you with a clean record if they do.
Is it only for large businesses?
No. The steps work for an owner chasing a handful of invoices and for a finance team managing thousands.