What?

So, there has been something that's been making me shake my head the past couple days.

When I came home Friday for my lunch break, I called to pay one of my last bills for the month. I have discovered the joy of paying via phone, as it's typically done in about 3 minutes. (With the right companies, of course)

So, on Friday I dialed the number fully expecting the electronic touchpad game to enter in all my information. (Can you tell I do this a lot?) Instead of getting an answering service, I got someone who did not speak english very well.

Once we got through who I was and what I wanted to do he said, "Okay, so in order for you to pay today it will cost $14.95 to make a payment over the phone. Do you accept these charges?"

I wasn't sure I heard right. The following is what transpired:

Me: What?
Him: In order for me to process this, it will cost $14.95, do you accept these charges?
Me: So you mean I have to pay you in order to pay you?
Him: Well, I see that you're in good standing, so I'll waive that fee and you can just make your payment.
Me: Huh?
Him: Well, I see on my computer that you've been a good customer for several years, so I will waive the fee and you can make your payment.
Me: Okay...

While the phone conversation ended well, I am still perplexed. First off, this was the first time that company had tried that with me. And, the guy was right, I am a good PAYING customer.

But what would have happened if I had just simply said "No"? I mean, my payment wasn't late. And honestly, I'm about to pay off that bill.

I'm still caught on the whole paying them in order to pay them.

Kinda makes me scratch my head...hum....

Life.
Is.
Interesting.