I'm not a lawyer, but I don't think you can do that; you can only claim the contractual loss. I'm pursuing a small claims case in NYC, and I'd like to include those sorts of expenses (plus throw in something for the merchant being a general d-bag), but I was told I couldn't.

I have to bring a client to small claims court to collect an unpaid sum of money for work performed. I've done everything in my power not to, but the client isn't paying up and has stopped communicating with me.

In addition to the fees owed, am I allowed to tack on any administrative costs in the small claim, like a missed day at work to go to court; the amount of time I've spent trying to collect; postage for correspondence, court costs, etc?

Any input is appreciated.