Hey Rob, can I make payments?

Me: The service you selected is a one time, non-monthly contract so the amount will need to be paid in full.

Them: But we would like to make payments

Me: Pay the whole amount using a credit card and you can make payments to the credit card company 

Them: We don’t use credit cards 

Me: And I don’t make payment arrangements for a one off service 

Them: Why not? Other’s do.

Me: You are free to go use any of the so-called others you speak of.

Them: Well we want to use your services.

Me: Then stop arguing about my payment terms and pay the amount in question.

Them: But we want…

Me: Yes, I heard what you want and if you want my service then you need to comply with my terms. 

Them: I’m the customer and the customer is always right 

Me: Except when they are wrong and can’t understand that it’s my business and my rules, if you want to play my game you need to follow my rules. 

Them: Well we need payments

Me: This is becoming a circular conversation, and frankly I’m not interested in going round and round anymore.

Them: What’s that supposed to mean?

Me: It means call someone else to have your small project done.

Them: Who?

Me: I don’t really care as long as it’s not me.

Them: What’s the reason?

Me: I think we’ve already established that reason, have you not been paying attention the last few minutes?

Them: Yes

Me: Okay final time, I will not accept payments on a one time, non-monthly contract. You pay upfront and we provide service. No payment, no work. Got it.

Them: Not really.

Me: I’m not sure where the disconnect is so I’m going to help you out…

{ I hung up }

{15 minutes later receive an email asking if they can pay with a credit card}