Caller [sent a picture to my phone]: I'm buying some property from X and need a survey. This should be an easy one. I just need that one line I have drawn in surveyed. What would that cost and how quickly can you get to it?
Me: Well, it looks like you are planning to buy a portion of X's property with the line you have drawn being the new division line and the remaining lines being the other neighbors property lines. What you will need to accomplish that is a description of the whole ±13 acres; which means I'll have to survey much more than just that one line.
Caller: But that is the only new line, so why do you need to survey anything else.
Me: Because, just like the picture you sent me, there may be differences between what is either on the tax map or in the deeds that I can not sign my name on until I have measured it properly. For example, the line you want me to survey - it CAN NOT be run the way you want it to. The tax map you drew it on is not accurately portraying how the properties line up in that area. As you drew it, you are trying to run a line out into property owned by the United States of America. That probably won't fly.
... I'm very familiar with the area. I provided a price and explanation of what needed to done.
Caller: Is there any negotiation on this price.
Me: Yeah. I would be glad to go higher if you would prefer.
Caller - proceeds to tell me what he had been planning to spend (because of course he has knowledge of what it should cost apparently), asks could we meet in the middle
Me (getting grouchier and less patient each year): No. I don't negotiate my pricing. I'll text you a colleagues name and number who can do the work for you. Best of luck.
Caller [very quickly]: Oh no no no. I'm sorry, I'm in the car business and I just enjoy the negotiation process. It's a common business practice all around the world. Now I know, no negotiating with you. Please get the work done at the price you quoted.
I do not think he would like me as a car buying customer. I do my homework thoroughly and do not participate in negotiations. I've walked out of many dealerships because they started playing negotiation games. Turns out he is at a dealership where (many years ago) I went in and made a very fair offer but they started wanting to negotiate and I left, went down the road to my very close second choice vehicle, made an offer, and was out of the dealership in short order with the new vehicle. Negotiations, store discount cards, etc... HATE THEM. Just charge me a fair price up front and let us both get on with our day without wasting time haggling!