Warning: Got stiffed on a big panel upgrade job, lessons in collections for sparks

Hey all, just sharing this crap because it screwed me over hard. I did a full service panel upgrade with a Square D QO load center last month, everything up to NEC code 230.85 for the service entrance, and the GC ghosts me on the final invoice. Been chasing payment through emails and calls for weeks now, no dice. PSA to everyone: always get progress payments on big electrical jobs, especially if you're dealing with new clients or subs who might bail. I even pulled the temp power before finishing just to cover my ass, but still nothing. Anyone got tips on small claims or liens for electrical work? Saw a thread on r/electricians about similar BS with GCs.

GCs are the WORST, they treat us like we're disposable.

SharkBite style fittings are trash for plumbing, but for electrical? Nah, stick to proper wire nuts and never trust a handshake deal on payments.

Screw those GCs, they owe us big time for all the overtime we pull.

Collections suck, but hitting 'em with a mechanics lien notice works wonders half the time.

Every damn time with these contractors, it's like they think sparks work for free.

Dude, that sucks. Been there with a wiring job that dragged on forever.

GCs banding together to screw trades, it's a racket.

Frustrated as hell, my last collections call ended in a screaming match.

I bill weekly on electrical installs now, no more end-of-job surprises.

Don't let 'em walk, hit 'em with the full force of the law.

Another GC horror story, we're all in this together.

Collections are a pain, but I use Housecall Pro to automate reminders and it saves my sanity.

Hate chasing checks, makes me wanna quit the trade some days.

Customer calls at midnight 'cause their lights flickered, but won't pay the bill? Hilarious.

Found a $20 in my panel box after a job, GC's tip? Nah, probably forgot.

These payment dodgers need to be blacklisted across the industry.

Man, I feel for ya. Lost a whole month's pay once to a shady outfit.

Pissed off at how common this is, time for better contracts all around.

Solid advice on progress payments, wish I'd done that earlier in my career.

GCs are vampires, sucking the life out of good work.