Not every vendor dispute belongs in court. Here is a comparison of the three most common dispute resolution paths, with realistic time and cost estimates for Austin.
Mediation
What it is: A neutral third party helps both sides reach a voluntary settlement. Non-binding unless both sides sign an agreement.
Cost: $300–1,500 total, split between parties. BBB mediation is free for member businesses.
Timeline: 2–6 weeks from request to resolution.
Best for:
- Disputes $2,000–10,000 where both sides want to avoid court.
- Ongoing relationships (venue deposit disputes where you still want the wedding to happen).
- Situations where the facts are contested and a neutral perspective helps.
Bad for:
- Vendors who have ghosted. You cannot mediate with someone who won''t respond.
- Clear-cut breach where the facts aren''t in dispute.
Small Claims (Justice Court)
What it is: Texas''s Justice Court handles civil claims up to $20,000. No jury required. Self-representation is common.
Cost: $54–109 to file, depending on county. Travis County is on the lower end.
Timeline: 30–90 days from filing to hearing. Default judgments (if vendor doesn''t show) entered in 30 days.
Best for:
- Clear breach with documented damages under $20K.
- Vendor who is ghosting and will not engage.
- When you''ve exhausted the DTPA 60-day window.
Requirements:
- Must send DTPA notice first for DTPA claims.
- Must properly serve the defendant (usually via certified mail or constable).
- Must appear at the hearing.
Arbitration
What it is: A private arbitrator hears the dispute and issues a binding decision. Often required by contract (check for "mandatory arbitration" clauses in your vendor agreement).
Cost: $500–5,000+ in arbitrator fees. Wildly variable.
Timeline: 6–12 months typically.
Best for:
- Mandatory cases where the contract requires it.
- Complex disputes that exceed the small-claims cap.
Bad for:
- Most wedding vendor disputes. Cost-benefit rarely justifies it unless the contract mandates.
Watch out for:
- Arbitration clauses that pick an expensive forum or require travel to a distant city. Texas sometimes enforces these. Read your contract.
Realistic recommendations
- Under $3,000: small claims or direct negotiation. Mediation if the vendor is willing.
- $3,000–20,000: DTPA demand letter first. Small claims if no response. Mediation if both sides want to save face.
- Over $20,000: consumer-protection attorney. Probably civil court.
The biggest factor: how responsive is the vendor? A responsive vendor → try mediation or settle directly. A ghosting vendor → small claims is almost always the right answer.
Sources: Texas Justice Court rules, Texas Law Help — Small Claims, Texas State Law Library — ADR.