Needs To Pay The Intelligence Tax
The company which I work for issues their contracts with values without taxes. This happens because taxes vary from state to state, and many customers use our services in several different states. I work at the customer service billing branch; I don’t really meet the clients, but I talk to them regularly by telephone.
Me: “Hello, Mr. [Customer]?”
Customer: “Yes?”
Me: “Hi there, my name is [My Name]. I work at [Company] and called you to talk because you contested your first invoice. Can we talk about it right now?”
Customer: “Ah, yes! You see, the invoice value is different from what we had in agreement.”
Me: “I understand the problem; please give me some time to check the values.”
I analyze the bill and check that everything was in accordance with the contract.
Me: “Sir, everything is in accordance with the contract. Do you have the contract with you right now?”
A few seconds pass…
Customer: “Yes, I have it now. Can you see it next to the value? It says we’re exempt from taxes.”
I am completely puzzled and surprised. I check again the PDF copy of the contract I have and don’t find anything about what the customer says.
Me: “I’m sorry, sir… but I couldn’t find the information you’re pointing out. Can you be more specific, please?”
Customer: “It’s right next to the value! It reads, ‘without taxes,’ between parenthesis!”
I give a small chuckle in relief as I’ve figured the problem.
Me: “Ah, I see! It looks like it was just a misunderstanding. It’s not that you don’t have to pay taxes, it’s just that the value mentioned does not include taxes yet; you still have to pay those.”
Customer: “Nonsense! I’m tax-free! It’s in the contract!”
Me: “But, sir—”
Customer: “Who the h*** issues contracts with only half the values, anyway?”
I explain the whys and because, and after several minutes of trying to convince him, I finally give up.
Me: “Okay, Mr. [Customer], I’ll look into it and position you by email.”
Customer: “Finally! Don’t forget it! I’m tax-free!” *Hangs up*
I sent him an email with everything I already told him by phone, saying that his invoice value was correct.
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Question of the Week
What is the absolute most stupid thing you’ve heard a customer say?
