What is dunning?

The sequence of reminders and demands a seller sends to collect an overdue invoice.

How does it work?

A dunning sequence fires on a schedule. A reminder goes out a few days before the due date, another on the day, and escalating notices after. Most billing and AR systems ship this as rules: send template A on day X, template B on day Y.

Why does it matter for agents?

The essay on AR agents draws the line between rules automation and an agent. Dunning rules fire on day X and are blind to disputes, promises to pay, and the relationship. An agent reads the account, knows that a dispute is open or a promise was made, and changes what it sends or stops sending.

Where does the human gate sit?

The stop-conditions essay gives the cases. A customer dispute halts the chase and hands the thread to the dispute owner. A recorded promise to pay halts the sequence until the promise date passes. A chase that emails through a dispute puts a wrong answer in writing.

Which essays cover it?

• What Is an AI Agent for Accounts Receivable?
• Stop Conditions Are the Product

Which terms are related?

• stop condition
• days sales outstanding

@misc{couch2026whatisdunning,
  author = {Couch, Chris},
  title = {What is dunning?},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {Ends at Cash},
  url = {https://chriscouch.ai/what-is/dunning/}
}