Client owes me $250 after I completed their website. Would you take the loss or pursue payment?
I run a small web development business in Texas, and I’m dealing with a client situation I’d like some advice on from other business owners.
We agreed on a $500 website project, with $250 upfront and the remaining $250 due upon approval, before launch. We both signed a contract outlining the payment terms.
The client verbally approved the website over the phone, so I went ahead and published it in good faith, expecting the remaining payment.
About a week later, they mentioned wanting to add some more images. I told them that was completely fine and gave them additional time to send everything over.
Fast-forward almost a month, and I’ve received neither the images nor the remaining payment. I’ve followed up multiple times, and they’ve completely stopped responding.
The website is still live and fully accessible to their customers.
I’ve now sent a final follow-up giving them 24–28 hours to respond. I’m considering Texas small claims court, but filing and service could cost around $150 just to pursue $250.
I genuinely don’t want to damage the relationship. My intention was always to provide a professional website that would help their business grow, and I feel I’ve been more than reasonable.
I’m debating three options:
Take the $250 loss, leave the website up, and move on.
Temporarily suspend the website until payment is received, assuming I’m legally allowed to.
Pursue the balance through small claims court based on our signed agreement.
For those who have dealt with nonpaying clients, what would you do?
Is $250 worth pursuing on principle, or would you consider it a business lesson and move on?
I’d especially appreciate advice from other agency owners, freelancers, or anyone who’s dealt with something similar.