The Price Of Efficiency

Me: “[My Name] speaking, how can I help you?”

Caller: “I would like to know what it costs to get a key vault next to a client’s door.”

A key vault is something people use to give access to their home for care — for example, for the elderly.

Me: “I’m sorry, but that is not part of our service. I don’t know those costs.”

Caller: “Oh, I thought you might know that because you had to place one for your mother or something. Anyway…”

She goes into a long-winded spiel about her client and how she always has to ring the doorbell of the neighbours because her client doesn’t hear the doorbell. Because I have a hunch the question might be how her client can get an extra key, I look that information up. It’s three clicks for me, so no problem.

Caller: “…so, can I get a code of the complex?”

Me: “Our buildings don’t have codes, but your client can order an extra key for you.”

Caller: “And what would be the costs of that?”

Me: “That would be [amount].”

Caller: “Oh? So, you do know that by heart, eh?”

I am confused by her condescending tone.

Me: “Pardon me?”

Caller: “So, you don’t know how much a key vault costs, but when you can make an extra buck you know the price by heart?”

Me: “I… already looked up the information for you while we talked.”

Caller: “Sure, you did. Well, I now know where [Company] stands! I hope they pay you well!”

She disconnected the call. I guess my service was too quick?