While searching for bids I had contacted someone locally about building me a table top only. I wanted to attach this cool set of table legs I found on etsy onto the table later. 

The customer service at Furniture Farm told me that they were confused as to why I wanted to get my own table legs, that I was going to have problems and that I should get my table legs from them. (Which is fine, I’m not a wood worker, they certainly could be right) I wanted to just say, "I’ll call back if I’m interested.” But no, I decided to go ahead and answer their question. I told them it was for design purposes that I wanted these particular table legs. Then I left with,

I’ll get back with you if I decide to go your direction.

In the estimate world, this is like saying “Don’t call me, I’ll call you.”

Then I get a completely unnecessary reply: 

"It would be best if you find someone else to build your top for you as we do not want to be apart of this situation."

Heh? I wasn't asking them to get involved in an international drug ring and I certainly didn't give them the impression that I was dying to continue with them, especially after they quoted metal framed legs that were $200 more than anyone else. Also, she said that she didn't want to be “apart” of the situation. Meaning she really really doesn't want to be separated from building a table for me? 

I responded with the message below. Hoping to clear things up. 

Thanks X,

My last letter insinuated that I would be looking elsewhere.

This is where getting estimates gets ridiculous. I get sent this zinger. 

Please notice the “God Bless” after the proverbial “fuck you” from this happy person at Furniture Farm. 

Yes I did understand, just wanted to make sure you understood that we would never work with someone that was as rude as yourself.

My response email was in no way rude to you at all, just informative.  A frame legs either made from wood or metal are not out of our realm.  If you had something so specific in mind maybe you should have explained yourself better.  We have been general contractors for over 16 years and in our experience when you have someone do one thing and someone else steps into do something else there are 9 times out of 10 going to be problems.  That is why my husband can do all aspects of home building and furniture making well. If we choose to work with anyone we make sure that we are all a great team, so that the end product is what is should be.

If you didn't like our price or our time frame you have have politely stated so.

Have a Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!!

Furniture Farm

*Bolded words, emphasis, mine.

So, evidently, to get furniture from the Furniture Farm, you have to be chosen. Do they choose your name out of a bowl?

Geeze. 

After that lovely email, I replied with this: 

Please understand that when you said “we do not want to be apart of this situation.”  that “apart” means separated. So your letter reads “we do not want to be separated from this situation.” So it reads like you really, really want to build this table for me. 

When I clarified that I would not be pursuing having work done by your husband, it was so you would understand that I would be looking elsewhere. There was no intention to be rude. 

My language is straight forward and not flowery, which can sometimes be mistaken as rude, but that was not my intention. 

And I got this back. This glorious Jesus Juke to end all Jesus Jukes: 

Thank you for the lesson in grammar, as I am always open for constructive criticism, I will in the future change how I explain that we will be unable to help someone with their request.

We are all Gods children no human better than the next, I will keep you in my prayers.

Just a little advise, if you know you have been mistaken for being rude to others, maybe pause and think about what you are about to say/write.  What people say can hurt and you never know what others are going though, I would hate for your mistaken rudeness to fall upon a heavy heart, it is the holidays.