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Answer a vendor's past-due notice from your AP aging
- For Accountants
- You practice Getting the tone right
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Beginner
About this exercise
A freight vendor says two invoices are past due. Write a prompt for a reply from Jo Park in AP: a first line that is a subject line naming both invoice numbers, the facts from your AP aging (one is paid, one is on hold and what you need), and a sign-off of "Jo Park, Accounts Payable". No apology and no promised payment date for the held invoice. Under 110 words.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- No subject line or sign-off. The AI writes the body only and signs off with a placeholder like [Your Name]. Try: Say: "First line: Subject: naming both invoices. Sign off: Jo Park, Accounts Payable."
- Vague on the facts. The AI says 'we're looking into it' instead of giving the payment date and reference. Try: Ask: "Give the payment date and ACH ref for INV-5521, and ask for proof of delivery for PO 7712."
- Apologizing and promising. Replies to a collections notice default to sorry and 'we'll pay soon'. Try: Add: "No apology. Don't promise a pay date for the held invoice."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI vendor replies run long and padded. Try: Ask for "under 80 words, 3 short paragraphs" and plain text, no bold.
What a strong prompt includes
- Asks for a subject line
- Names the sender
- Uses the aging facts
- Blocks apologies and promises
- Sets a length
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