I'm in a 'unique' situation as a small business owner.

I payed in advance, in a series of several Zelle transfers over 2 months in early spring '21 (how it's done in this industry) so they could pay the producer overseas. After they received the product from abroad, they agreed to wait to send me the shipment until I was ready to store it. That time came abt 5 wks ago, when I got serious abt asking them to send it, since I was running out of product and they weren't responding to my calls or requests to talk and "check in". One of them told me they were both in the hospital, but it's been over 4 weeks and I haven't gotten any communication back. Last year, we did a somewhat smaller transaction, and I received my product, so I'm wondering what's up.

---> I decided to send a registered letter to both of their known addresses in Missouri, giving them an opportunity to settle outside court. Problem is, what if they aren't' home or refuse to answer the door? Should I hire a PI to pinpoint them first? The same questions apply to "serving" them.

---> $5,000 is the limit for small claims court in Missouri (I'm in CA) and the amt in dispute is $8,500. I'm just a mid-20s first-time sole proprietor. Is it worth it for me to pursue a case in regular superior court, or should I just settle for $5,000 in small claims? If I do go to superior court, should I represent myself or hire a lawyer? I have all the evidence gathered already, and I'm frugal.

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DISCLAIMER:

I deal with a plant product that is legal in both our states, but is controversial, so I can't get business insurance or purchase wholesale with a credit card.