Okay. I'm going to phrase this more explicately with a handy dandy vet comparison - Edit 2
Before modification by LadyLorraine at 06/10/2010 06:38:00 AM
Client: why is there a 50 dollar fee on my dog's bill?
Me: Because I pointedly told you to give your dog his heartworm meds every 30 days, sent you reminders, and you didn't for 3 months. Now we just spent the past 3 months and hundreds of dollars of your money and my staff's time and stress because you can't read a post card.
This is the stupid fee. I think they should have been leveled a stupid fee.
I'm not saying fine them into the dirt. I'm saying charge them a stupid fee. I do not think 1000 dollars is unreasonable for any party involved here, for example. The fire department gets substantially more than they would have received in a proper scenario, AND the family's house might still be standing and their pets might still be living. I'm sure the additional vet bills to treat those animals' lungs after being in a burning house would be more than enough additional cost to drive the point home
Me: Because I pointedly told you to give your dog his heartworm meds every 30 days, sent you reminders, and you didn't for 3 months. Now we just spent the past 3 months and hundreds of dollars of your money and my staff's time and stress because you can't read a post card.
This is the stupid fee. I think they should have been leveled a stupid fee.
I'm not saying fine them into the dirt. I'm saying charge them a stupid fee. I do not think 1000 dollars is unreasonable for any party involved here, for example. The fire department gets substantially more than they would have received in a proper scenario, AND the family's house might still be standing and their pets might still be living. I'm sure the additional vet bills to treat those animals' lungs after being in a burning house would be more than enough additional cost to drive the point home