dude, you can go to small claims court but the worst you will do is ding his credit. he's not going to pay you back. i can't believe you fronted the product. what kind of sheltered life do you live that you believed he would give you money? i've seen this way too many times and it pisses me off that you put yourself in that position.

 

Good luck getting your money, this type of thing does suck. There are some of us from the "old code" that a hands shake and our word are enough but oh so few and far between.

 

Once you recieve a judgement against him in small claims court, if he does not pay up you have the right to sue for the money- they will at that point garnish his wages. Courts do not look kindly on people who do not comply with court rulings.

It may take a while, but you can certainly f-him over pretty badly if you're willing to be a bit patient.

who knows, perhaps he'll pay up beforehand!

 

I like to think that I live in a world where my word does mean something and a handshake is a reliable motion for closing a deal. I know if it comes from me, I will follow thru, but sadly, most of the world sux. $500 is nothing to rip of a credible shop over, especially when most shop owners are willing to help a person out when it comes down to the crunch. Hope it works out...