Surely you can go through the small claims court.
I know in the UK it cost about £50 which you can claim back from the plaintive. 99% of the time a summons results in swift payment.
In which case you get about £40 back from the court as it didn't go to trial.
If it does go to court all you have do is prove that you did the work. It is then up to them to prove they paid. If they can't or they do not
show up they have to pay you the full amount as well as court fee and (upon your request) the cost of you lodging the summons.
( ,
Fri 11 Dec 2009, 12:05,
archived)
In which case you get about £40 back from the court as it didn't go to trial.
If it does go to court all you have do is prove that you did the work. It is then up to them to prove they paid. If they can't or they do not
show up they have to pay you the full amount as well as court fee and (upon your request) the cost of you lodging the summons.