A more gentle word for the word “settled” in the context of payment [closed]

Question

I wrote the following sentence:

We will proceed with the registration after the remaining balance is settled.

Somehow, I find that using the word settled in this sentence sounds a bit rude. This is especially true if we consider that I'm offering something in my previous sentence. I don't want to sound too demanding or make the reader feel bound to do anything.

I was thinking to replace settled with made. But still, made doesn't sound the best possible word.

What are the expressions that could be used in a sentence like this to say that an amount is to be paid and still sound gentle?

Answer 1

I think you may want to change the entire sentence to read something like We want to register you as soon as possible. Please help us by paying the remaining balance.

Answer 2

Please, please, please. There is nothing wrong with using the word settled there. Barrie's answer is merely a different way of stating a perfectly good sentence.

From NOAD:

settle 1
verb 1 [ with obj. ] resolve or reach an agreement about (an argument or problem): every effort was made to settle the dispute.
• end (a legal dispute) by mutual agreement: the matter was settled out of court | [ no obj. ] : he sued for libel and then settled out of court.
• determine; decide on: exactly what goes into the legislation has not been settled | [ no obj. ] : they had not yet settled on a date for the wedding.
• pay (a debt or account): his bill was settled by charge card | [ no obj. ] : I settled up with your brother for my board and lodging.

[Emphasis my own.] It is clear that settle is used in the matter of debts. End of story.

Well, not entirely the end of the story. Settled is actually a less direct way of saying paid. So it is, in fact, the milder way of putting the matter. Your fourth or fifth dunning letter will contain phrases like "until this bill is paid" or "pay this amount now!" and so forth.