Minimum Wording Gets Maximum Hassle

(I work for a government program that refers youth and students to local jobs for the summer. One part of my job is to plan events for youth who are too young or unable to find work. One of my events is called “Weeding Wednesday.” On the flyer I put, “$10.00 min,” but when I post it online I add in the description, “for a minimum of $10.00.” I answer the phone.)

Me: “Hello, [Government Program], [My Name] speaking.”

Caller: “Hi. I saw your ad online about doing weeding for gardens, and I wanted to clarify the price. So, is it $10.00 per minute, or what does that mean? That seems absurd!”

Me: “Oh, sorry, no. It actually means a minimum charge of $10.00. I just abbreviated it.”

Caller: “I know what the abbreviation means! I’m not stupid! But there are probably people out there who don’t understand what it means! $10.00 a minute would be absurd!”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am. I guess I didn’t assume that people would think we would charge by the minute. There wasn’t enough room on the poster to spell out the whole word.”

Caller: “NO, NO, NO! FORGET IT!” *hangs up*

Me: “Seriously?”