Keep the original promise
Save the email, message or call note that contains the promise. Record the person, business, date, channel and the exact detail you understood, while keeping a link to the source.
Record what was actually promised
Separate a definite amount and date from a vague intention such as “soon”. If the message does not identify an amount or timing, mark that information as missing rather than completing it yourself.
- Promised amount, if stated
- Promised payment date, if stated
- Whether one payment or instalments were described
- The source message or call note
Check payments against the record
Record payments and credits separately, then compare them with the promise. A part-payment can change the outstanding balance without completing the whole promise.
Do not delete the promise when payment arrives or fails to arrive. Add the outcome so the chronology remains intelligible.
Choose the next review
If the promise detail is unclear, ask for confirmation. If the recorded date passes without a matching payment, re-check the ledger and source communication before following up.