Collections turning into a nightmare with landscape clients who ghost after install

I've been doing landscaping installs for 15 years and collections have always been a pain, but lately it's out of control. Just finished a $4500 hardscape project with pavers and retaining walls using Belgard blocks, and the client hasn't paid the final invoice two months later. We're in central Texas, drought is making everyone tight on cash, but come on, I sent reminders through Jobber and even called. Saw a similar rant in the Lawn Care Business Owners Facebook group where guys are dealing with the same BS on mulch jobs. Anyone got tips on small claims or liens for these outdoor installs? It's killing my cash flow.

Haha, had a guy pay me in chickens once for a simple edging job. Sold 'em quick but never again.

FML, same here with a patio pour last summer. Waited 90 days, had to eat the cost on materials. These homeowners act like it's pocket change.

File a mechanics lien right away if you're in Texas, it's straightforward for landscaping work under $10k. Get it notarized and record it at the county clerk.

Just hit my best year yet chasing payments aggressively on landscape bids. Started requiring 50% upfront for anything over $2k, cut the BS dramatically.

Insurance companies are jacking up premiums because of unpaid jobs turning into lawsuits. We all lose when these deadbeats skip out on legit work like irrigation setups.

Tried mediation once on a tree planting gig, wasted more time than it was worth. These folks just drag it out.

Commercial clients are the worst offenders right now with budget cuts hitting landscape maintenance hard.

Document everything from the initial estimate to install pics, it'll save your ass in court.

Yeah man, been there with a mulching contract that went south. Felt that frustration deep.

Lol, next time just plant a money tree in their yard as collateral. Might actually grow something useful.