Hmmm, sorry to hear of the problem. People are a sad bunch some times.
As a self employed person, I ogtta tell ya life ain't always peachy-keen, as hard and as diligent as you try to be.
I'm not sure if this will get looked upon negatively or not, and I'm certianly not going to advocate that this be done, but I am saying it can be effective..........so I hear......
I've had the once in a very blue moon occassion, a couple folks "come up (very) short" on their end of the bargain sometimes.
Now being the level headed kind guy that I am (That's the first thing that gets you in trouble, but what the heck.....) Next thing you know your phone calls aren't returned, the excuses start flying better than your 2 year-olds, and they're usually about as brilliant too.
I've gone the legal route...........Generally in my experience it gets you deeper in a hole, and when the poop clears, the guy's got nothing, and guess what you get out of it? Lets just say I ain't a real big fan.......
But hey, ZERO minus court costs, minus time wasted. Ya got a perfect batting average going on.
22 people???? WoW, I'd poop if I was that store owner, and 22 disgruntled folks walked in one day at 4:50.....
Now I'm just thinking out loud..............
Some guys have to learn the hard way......I find it's very effective. Group efforts work the best.