Thanks for your thoughts. Taking this to a court would not be a good option, for the amount is so small I would most likely cost more to go that route anyway. And as others have said, reporting it could bring on some very serious repercussions. Add to the perils of a lost potential friendship. I will take the debt collector's point of view that something is better than nothing. I did manage to get a portion of the amount owed, and then hope that the rest can balance out later, perhaps. And if I get the full amount eventually, then it would be a win/win situation for both: Him getting a good deal on something he has been wanting, and my getting back most of what I originally paid, so I can start working on other projects.

NS