What to do when customers do not pay?

Unpaid invoices are not only frustrating for companies, but also a real liquidity risk. If no payment is received despite a reminder, the only option often left is to proceed via the court dunning procedure. The first step: the payment order.

In this blog article, you will learn everything you need to know about the payment order procedure — from costs to the process — and why working with a professional debt collection service provider is often the better solution.

✅ What is a payment order?

A payment order is a court letter that you can apply for if a debtor has not paid a due claim. It is the first step in the court dunning procedure and is intended to formally prompt the debtor to pay — without having to file a lawsuit immediately.

A payment order is issued by the central dunning court and has strong legal effect. If the debtor does not respond, it can lead to an enforceable title — the prerequisite for enforcement measures (e.g. account seizure).

🔁 How does the payment order procedure work?

1. Application for a payment order

The creditor (or a debt collection service provider) submits an application to the competent dunning court. Today, this is usually done electronically.

2. Review & dispatch

The court checks the application only on a formal basis and then sends the payment order to the debtor.

3. Response period (14 days)

The debtor has 14 days to pay or file an objection.

4. Enforcement order

If the debtor does not respond, the creditor can apply for an enforcement order after the deadline has expired.

5. Enforcement

With the enforcement order, the claim can be enforced, for example by a court bailiff, including seizure.

💶 What does a payment order cost?

The costs of the court dunning procedure are manageable and depend on the amount of the claim. Court fees for the payment order start at around €36 (for claims up to €1,000) and increase depending on the amount.

⚖️ What are the advantages of a payment order?

• ✅ Faster and cheaper than a lawsuit

• ✅ Creates legal pressure on the debtor

• ✅ Enforcement title possible without a court hearing

• ✅ No detailed evidence required (at the outset)

  
  

However, although the payment order is a powerful instrument, it also comes with challenges — especially in correct application submission, deadline monitoring, and communication with the court.

🧾 Why a debt collection service provider is often the better choice

A professional debt collection service provider such as KLEVERBILL (with collection partners) takes over the entire process — from the first reminder to the payment order and, if necessary, enforcement. This saves time and effort and reduces the risk of formal errors.

Advantages at a glance:

• 💼 Complete handling of the dunning process

• 📆 Monitoring of deadlines & incoming payments

• 📑 Correct filing of applications with the dunning court

• 📞 Communication with debtors & authorities

• 🔐 Legal certainty & data protection (GDPR-compliant)

  
  

Many providers also work on a success-based model, meaning you only pay if they are successful — a major advantage over doing it yourself.

📌 The payment order as a legal pressure tool — with an expert at your side

The payment order procedure is an effective and comparatively cost-efficient way to legally enforce outstanding claims. If you do not want to deal with forms, deadlines, and formal requirements, you are well advised to work with a professional debt collection service provider.

Platforms such as KLEVERBILL make this process even easier — including automation, interfaces to your accounting system, and direct collection integration. That keeps your focus where it belongs: on your core business.