No, small claims doesn't suck. It's quite easy and it our system we believe in in this country. I would talk with him and ask for everything back. I wouldn't mention court to him, I would only insist on everything back. If he says no or misses the deadline, file the paper work. You can serve him or have the sheriff do it for a nominal fee. Once you win, there is were it gets harder. He has time to pay or not pay. If he chooses not to pay, you must go back to court and get another court order to get it from the bank, paycheck or other means. Check you local laws and see what the procedure is. Your county clerks are more then willing to explain the process to you.

The worst thing I had to deal with was my county court only excepts cash. Of all places,who would ever want to bounce a check?