Sure, sometimes it's a matter of efficiency: is your time worth more working, or standing in line at the courthouse?
Other times, it's far more than that at stake. This snake never, ever, had the slightest intention of paying you. That changes things.
First ... friend of a friend? Make sure they know what a creep this guy is. Heck, bring them along, and have the guy re-state his position in their presence!
Second ... ask the court for monies beyond what is on the invoice. Charge for time spent trying to collect, and make a log of your efforts and his responses. You want to show the judge that this guy has never intended to pay the bill.
Third, lien him.
Fourth, see about assigning the debt to a collection agency. If nothing else, they'll make sure the judgment appears on his credit reports.
Here's what we're dealing with: There are certain folks who fancy themselves to be predators. They deliberately seek out 'side workers' so they can jerk them around. They also assume that you will not be willing to invest in exercising your legal options. To them, it's all a game.
I've run into this sort a few times; it's amazing how they settle as soon as papers are filed .... the worst case had payment waiting on the courthouse steps!
The best cure is prevention. When that fails, the your contract, and other documentation - as well as having all necessary permits and licenses - come into play. Finally, knowing how the system works - and making sure it does work when needed - makes all the difference.
