When to use: They said yes on the call, but the payment didn’t go through. Either the card declined, or they said “send me the link, I’ll pay later,” or there was a tech hiccup.
How to use
- If the card declined on the call: retry while still on the call. Frame it as tech, not commitment.
- If they said “I’ll pay later”: send the payment link within 5 minutes of the call ending. Don’t wait.
- If they haven’t paid within 24 hours: soft check-in.
- If still no payment in 48 hours: direct ask, offer to help unblock.
- If 72 hours pass with no payment, treat it as a stall and move to 07. Limbo.
Scripts
On-call retry (if card declines live)
Card didn’t go through, want to try a different one or use Apple Pay?
Most card declines are real card issues. Frame as tech.
Right after the call (if they said “I’ll pay later”)
Great talking, {NAME}. Here’s the payment link: {LINK}. Once that’s in I’ll send the kickoff details.
24-hour soft check-in
Hey {NAME}, just making sure the link came through OK. Let me know if you hit any snags.
48-hour direct ask
Hey {NAME}, didn’t see the payment land yet. Everything good on your end? Happy to hop on a quick call if something’s stuck.
72 hours, still no payment
Move to 07. Limbo. It’s no longer a verbal close, it’s a stall.
What’s next
- Payment lands → 04. Closed-Won, Paid
- Stall past 72 hours → 07. Limbo
- Hard no → 09. Lost-Deal Close + Autopsy