Client from hell just tanked my 10-year streak - anyone else?

Been painting houses for a decade now, mostly interiors with Benjamin Moore Aura, and this one client in the greater Atlanta area turns it into a nightmare. We quoted $4500 for the full kitchen repaint, cabinets and all, using that ProClassic hybrid paint like in those Idaho Painter videos. But the guy changes his mind mid-job on the color, demands we redo everything for free, and now he's threatening bad reviews on Angi. Saw a similar rant in the Painting Contractors Facebook group last week, but damn, this one's got me second-guessing taking referrals. NGL, I shoulda walked away sooner. Anyone got tips for dealing with these types without losing your cool?

man that sucks, had a similar client last year who wouldn't pay the final $800 until we 'fixed' imaginary drips.

congrats on the 10 years though, that's a solid milestone.

screw these picky homeowners, they think we're artists not contractors.

i get it, first big job i lost a client over color mismatch.

keep pushing, you'll hit 20 years easy.

proud of ya for sticking it out.

these clients are the worst, always want more for less.

had one demand gold leaf trim for the price of latex.

benjamin moore aura is top tier, don't let one idiot ruin it.

tips? get everything in writing before starting.

shut em down with photos of progress.

atlanta market's tough but rewarding.

commiserations, brother.

we all been there.

contractors unite against bs clients.

document every change request.

yeah, email trail is your best friend.

for cabinets, always mock up a sample first.

these people suck.

don't take the bait on free redos.

how'd you quote the $4500? flat rate?

idaho painter has vids on client management.

warning: never start without a deposit.

these clients make me wanna quit.

felt that frustration hard.

same here, lost sleep over one.

group in painting contractors fb full of these stories.

use option sheets for colors upfront.

solid advice.

proud you hit 10 years despite this crap.

clients like that are poison.

yeah, cut ties quick.

been painting 15 years, still deal with this bs.

hang in there.

lmao remember that client who wanted pastel on brick?

frustrated as hell with mine last month.

we hate these types.

get a lawyer review your contracts.

warning, bad reviews can tank google profile.

sympathy from a fellow painter.

yeah, same boat.

these entitled folks everywhere.

frustrating af.

i feel ya.

we all do.

clients ruining the trade.

hate this part of the job.

commiserate with you all day.