Well I have several customers from our landscaping company who owe anywhere from $400 - $1000 each. They are about 3 months from last payment each. Services did not stop until the end of the season, which is now. I have mailed several over due invoices, taped them to the doors, sent certified letters (Which they just never signed for so they dont get them) knocked, called etc.. I dont have contracts with them, but services were provided. Should I goto small claims? Answer1:times are tough. if you need the money now, offer to take off 10% or give them a monthly payment plan so that you dont burn bridges with them.small claims gets so messy sometimes. in my opinion. Answer2:Yes, small claims court will be the only way.But, if you dont have any contract with your customers, how do you prove to the judge what the agreed upon fees were and the fact that you even provided the service? If your customer lies in court, do you have a way to prove anything at all?Also, if you do win, do you know you can collect from these customers? If they dont have any money to pay you, you may be left holding a paper that says "you won!" and still no ways to collect. Small claims court does not help you collect the money. Please remember, burden of proof is upon you to prove to the court, you provided services that customer wanted, and that the price was agreed upon, then the terms of payment and such was set. Answer3:If they are just ignoring your attempts to contact them and collect, then small claims court might be your only option.