ORIGINAL: NorfolkSouthern
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
One thing I have learned over the years is DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT and have a WITNESS signature. On small items that I am not concerned about I really don't care. I have sold things that were twenty bucks or something and I don't bother, even under a hundred most of the time, but when it gets to hundreds as in 500$ then there WILL BE a bill of sale signed. If they don't want to sign a bill of sale, they really don't want it.
When I sell something that I am truly concerned about I print out two bill of sale docs then get the party to sign both and a witness signature that the transaction took place. I have yet to have anyone pull away from paying that way and if so I have the legal grounds that I need in court.
If they want the item and don't have the money, I often work it out by them paying me payments and I HOLD THE GOODs until payment is made in full. Good business practices are important and even MORE important among friends. But then a true friend does not treat his friend wrongly. He treats his friend or anyone as he wants to be treated.