CCP 1281.97(a)(1) provides that the party that drafted a consumer or employee arbitration agreement must pay its share of the arbitration fees within 30 days of the payment due date. Failure to do so is a material breach of the arbitration agreement, allowing the opposing party to elect out of arbitration. This decision holds that the 30-day deadline is firm, and that even an unintentional, brief, nonprejudicial delay beyond the deadline is fatal. Strict, not substantial, compliance with the 30-day deadline is required. The FAA does not preempt CCP 1281.97 which promotes, rather than hinders, arbitration.