Corporate Stupidity

I've just lost a booking. Nothing new there. Every entertainer gets inquiries that fall flat but I can't believe the stupid reason that I've just been given. Starting from the beginning, I was contacted by the manager of a new office of a nationwide concern. They wanted me to entertain at the launch party. My brain went into overdrive thinking that this would be a fantastic foot in the door so I quoted them a price that was more for a local two-hour private party than a four-hour corporate gig some miles away - and made sure they knew what I was doing. The manager called back after consulting with their Head Office over my fee and told me that they had got permission to hire me. Then they asked for a VAT invoice. Like the majority of self-employed persons, not just entertainers, I'm not registered for VAT as my turnover is nowhere near the threshold for compulsory registration. I explained all this to the manager and was told that they would have to check with Head Office again. You've guessed it, when I got a second call I was told that Head Office will only allow dealings with VAT registered companies and individuals! What a bunch of plonkers. They are never going to get somebody who is VAT registered to do what I was prepared to do for the same price especially when they only have three days to find them! Looks like it will be a quiet, boring and forgettable launch but that is their problem not mine.