[CAUT] Boston changed to dealers techs mfgrs and other such

[Ed Sutton]

People who are happy with their businesses aren't going to change, and that's o.k., even if we don't like it.

The "old model" is based on selling pianos as furniture. The dealer sells a static object, and hopes never to see it again. Low price, minimum service and high volume make sense in this model. 

The "new model" is based on a long-term service relationship. The customer expects continuous happiness with the piano as a working instrument, and expects to pay a skilled technician to maintain the instrument in a happy condition. The technician/dealer wants the customer to have a piano which can be maintained in a happy condition with reasonable effort at a service price the customer will gladly pay over a long relationship. (Thus the unwillingness to sell old clunkers.)

The "new model" requires fewer customers, and is much more efficient at delivering profit than the "old model." But it can only be done by people with the complex knowledge and skills needed. It may be that only a self-employed technician is motivated to work at this level.

Ed S.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mark Wisner 
  To: caut at ptg.org 
  Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 8:26 AM
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] Boston changed to dealers techs mfgrs and other such


  Most dealers that I know of have access to good techs, I don't think that's the problem.   I believe that the challenge is convincing dealers that properly prepped pianos, and providing a higher level of service, is good for their business.  Proving this to piano dealers is probably our job, as techs.  

  Mark Wisner

      How about this; 1. Manufacturers should make it mandatory (Or greatly encouraged) that there is a “fully trained” (read RPT) tech on staff at every dealership,
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