I went to tenant’s shop to talk about how he was paying his rent late each month and was racking up a lot of late fees as a result.

Me:  I’m concerned that you’re still paying the rent late each month and you now have $425 of late fees on your account.  You need to pay your rent on time in order to avoid these charges.

Tenant:  Alright, I’ll pay the rent on time.

Me:  How do you plan to pay off the late fees?

Tenant:  I’ll give you $200.

Me:  Well that addresses about half of it, what is your plan for the remaining $225?

Tenant:  No, no, no.  I’m offering to give you $200 and call it done.

Me:  I can’t do that.

Tenant:  Okay, how about $220?

Me:  No really, I can’t do that.  You need to pay the whole amount.

Tenant:  $250 and that’s my final offer!

Me:  You owe the whole balance because it’s part of your lease.  This isn’t a bidding game.

Tenant:  You’re supposed to make me an offer!  Make me an offer!  This is how business works.

Me:  Okay.  $425.  That’s MY final offer.

Tenant:  You don’t know how this works at all!