Saturday, December 16, 2006

how not to negotiate your library fine.

on phone (op): I just got back from college and got a letter from the collection agency about the books I took out before I went to school. I returned them in the book drop this morning at 9:30 and you didn't have the courtesy to be open at that time. Anyway, take the fine off my record.

me: Excuse me?

(op) Well, I returned the books and now I'm not going to pay the fine.

me: Well, the books were due in September. It's now December. When you got a library card you signed a statement saying that you would be responsible for all materials and fines on your record. You know this right?

(op):Yes. Wait, what. You have to take the fine off my card. {to noise in background: shut up you guys, she says I have to pay the fine.}

me: Did you get a receipt for the books when you checked out?

(op): Yes.

me: Did you know when the books were due?

(op): Yes. I just didn't want to return the books.

me: So, just to be clear. You did sign a statement making you responsible for your materials and fines on your record. You had a receipt with the due date of the books. And you knew what that due date was. You chose not to return the books when they were due. Am I correct?

(op): Well, I guess so. But I want you to take the fine off my record. I've dealt with collection agencies before and they'll take the fines off.

me: Well, I'm sorry. But you are responsible for paying the fines. I won't be taking them off your card.

(op):You suck.

me: Merry Christmas

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is that from the George W. Bush school of negotiation?

shayera said...

lol. It really must be. And believe me, I left off some of her more offensive comments. And didn't make up a word that I put down.
This child needs a lot of lessons on manners.

Anonymous said...

I literally LOL'd. But yeah, not just lessons on manners but in accountability.

"I've dealt with collection agencies before."

That just says it all, doesn't it?

Wow.

You're probably going to get a call from the Daddy now.

shayera said...

I knew you'd enjoy it David. She really irritated the hell out of me, I've got to tell you. The "I've dealt with credit agencies" line got me as well. I was angry when it happened. And then I put notes. Made me feel a lot better.