Need help understanding small Claims Court for Payment: Maryland

I publish illustrative scenarios prepared by my practice. All participants and conversations are fictional. The fictional posts are not posts by real users, accounts of client experiences, or reports of actual results.
Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

Using a throwaway bc my boss knows my main. Looking for advice on a legal issue in Maryland. Here's what happened.

Apple Pay dispute with merchant. I've been dealing with this for about 9 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

The amount being held/disputed is approximately $1,651. I have tried contacting customer support 6 times with no resolution.

What's the typical outcome in situations like this?

Illustrative response

For anyone overwhelmed by the legal process: break it into steps. (1) Gather all documents, (2) Write a timeline of events, (3) Research applicable laws, (4) Send a demand letter, (5) If no response, escalate to regulatory complaint or court. You don't have to do everything at once.