To the Jerk of the Day

To the client, who thinks it is acceptable to purchase a $44,000 car, but short me approximately $35 in a registration underpayment:

I am not the MVD. I do not control their registration processes. I cannot pay for your registration. I cannot issue you your plates until you have paid your registration in full. Even if it is "only" $35.93 that you are short. And why is it acceptable to become a total jerk at all? Do you feel more free to be rude over email than you would if I were standing in front of you? Is there a particular dollar amount that justifies your attitude? If so, I would believe it should be a bit higher than $35.93. And how many times did I mention that you are getting a separately mailed refund check for $125.43, which I also cannot control? So, you are coming out ahead $90-something. Also, how is this my problem? At what point did you lose your civility? How can you type this and think it is okay to send?

"I still don't get it. You've already exhausted $35 of my time. One more email and you are going to owe me money. Just send the plate."

You came off as a nice guy to the salesman, but you are really a cheap, rude man who likes to be in control and look bigger than you are. I have been nothing but courteous to you, and will continue to keep my professional cool. However, you should know that the impression you leave behind is not of a wealthy big-shot, it is of a small, petty jerk.