Delinquent payment notices should be ________.

When issuing delinquent payment notices, it's essential to ensure that the communication is effective and maintains a professional tone. A notice that is tactful and tasteful is important because it helps in preserving the relationship between the service provider and the customer, making it more likely that the customer will respond positively to the request for payment.

Mailing the notice in an envelope serves a practical purpose, providing privacy for the customer and ensuring that the document is treated with the seriousness it deserves. This also helps in delivering the message in a professional format, as opposed to simply leaving it unaddressed or in a less formal manner.

Having a businesslike approach emphasizes clarity and directness in the communication. This means using clear language and a straightforward layout, which ensures that the message is easily understood. Being businesslike also conveys the importance of the matter while maintaining professionalism, which is crucial when dealing with potentially sensitive financial issues.

When all these characteristics are combined, it results in a delinquent payment notice that is not only clear and professional but also more likely to achieve the desired outcome—prompt payment from the customer. Thus, utilizing all these strategies together is the most effective way to address delinquent accounts.