Chasing down that deadbeat client who stiffed me on the $4k Sherwin-Williams exterior job

So I got this one client in the greater Atlanta area who hired me to paint their whole house exterior with Sherwin-Williams Emerald, two coats, all the trim and everything. Finished the job a month ago, sent the invoice for $4,200, and crickets. I've called, texted, even drove by their place - turns out they're dodging me like I owe them money. Saw a similar rant in the Painting Contractors Facebook group last week, guy there said he had to file a small claims for a $3k interior job. Anyone got tips on collections without going full lawyer? I'm using QuickBooks for invoicing but maybe I need better terms upfront. NGL, this crap makes me wanna stick to cash jobs only.

screw these homeowners who think painters work for free, it's the same BS every summer with big jobs like yours.

wait, you said Sherwin-Williams, did you get the premium line or what?

i always get 50% upfront now, no exceptions.

quickbooks has a collections module, use it.

add it to your tags next time, 'payment due 15 days net'.

what city in atlanta? might know the guy.

file the lien, it's easier than you think.

i turned a bad one into a referral by being firm but fair.

sucks, but it builds character lol.

PE firms buying us out might fix this collections nightmare.

demand letter template online, customize it.

these stories make me charge cc only.

yeah, the atlanta market is cutthroat with payments.

collectors take 25%, but better than zero.

been there, it aint fun.

group hug for all us chasers.

frustrated, but you'll get it back.

one more for the 'screw clients' club.

sharbites for plumbing, but for payments? nah, go legal.

what's the biggest you've recovered?