Client in Philly won't pay $2k for panel upgrade, threatens small claims

Had a job in Philly last week installing a new 200A Square D panel because the old one's main breaker kept tripping on startup. Quoted $2000 flat rate including materials and labor, but the guy's now ghosting me and says he'll sue in small claims if I don't drop it to $1200. FML, this is why I hate residential clients who think everything's a DIY on YouTube.

Document everything, photos before and after, then file a mechanics lien if he drags his feet.

Small claims in Philly is a joke, they'll side with you if you show the work.

Don't let him bully you, $2k is cheap for that panel swap.

This exact thing happened to my buddy last month.

Screw him, walk away and bad review the hell out of his Google.

File the lien now, don't wait for court.

Me and the boys had a similar crap show with a kitchen rewire.

These homeowners think we're electricians not magicians.

Walked into a job where the client did this too, lost $1500.

Same here, Philly clients are the worst for this BS.

Insurance might cover your loss if you have business policy.

PE firms are buying up shops and jacking rates, but we still get screwed by clients.

Never take verbal agreements, always get it in writing.

Watched Electrician U video on client contracts, saved my ass once.

I hit $250k last year by firing problem clients like this early.

Same shit, different day.

These clients and the inspectors, both pains in the ass.

Quoted $1800 for a similar job and got it, don't drop your price.

Shots fired at cheapskates, we deserve fair pay.

Just did a $3k panel in Jersey, no issues.

Client rage is real, but stick to your guns.

Happened to me on a service call, took forever to collect.

Square D panels are gold, charge what they're worth.

SharkBite for plumbing yeah, but for electrical? Nah, stick to proper wire.

Frustrated? Try dealing with DIYers who half-ass the ground.

All of us vs these entitled homeowners.

Felt that, lost sleep over a $1k non-pay.

Square D is reliable, don't let him undervalue your work.

Same boat last summer, had to lawyer up.

Yeah, Philly's small claims favors pros if documented.

Clients like this make me wanna quit.

Big corps eating our margins while clients nickel and dime.

Fired a guy like this, business boomed after.

Don't do verbal quotes over $500, lesson learned.

In the Electricians Network FB group, everyone says lien first.

This is why I went commercial only.

Haha, next time charge the eff you price upfront.