Mark, Of course there are variables to consider. I could see this with larger dealerships that have a few technicians working on their pianos. Why not have at least one who is certified by the manufacturer to make sure their pianos are being prepped and presented properly? What would be the harm in suggesting it and at planting the seed in the dealers' minds? If it is too hard or impractical to require something like that, why not at least state what would be desirable? Isn't it in the interest of the manufacturer to have its pianos presented the best way possible? I can't tell you how many times I've consulted with clients who are shopping for pianos and they discounted a certain brand because their initial reaction was negative. After investigating with the dealer I learned it was presented without any prep. This happens more often than not despite Service Bonds, checklists, and factory training. It happens with all brands. If a dealer can get by without doing a thing to a piano he/she won't. I attend all the classes; I work hard to upgrade my skills. Rarely, do I get to use them on new pianos that the dealers are prepping or have sold. What sort of communication goes on between the manufacturers and their dealers? I admit I'm fairly ignorant to that end of the business. I know what the manufacturers expect and teach technicians. jeannie _____ From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Mark Wisner Sent: Sunday, November 22, 2009 4:57 AM To: caut at ptg.org Subject: Re: [CAUT] Jeanie's brain storm - was Boston changed to dealers... You're suggesting manufacturers should have staffing requirements for dealers? What about a small dealer that doesn't need a full time tech? And if a dealer didn't hire an approved tech, what should the consequences be? Mark Wisner But the continuing education concept won't do any good unless there is an incentive for the tech to take the classes. One of the best incentives would be for the manufactures to require dealers to hire only techs who have attended a certain number of instruction hours. Although these classes can be offered at PTG seminars and convention, piano techs do not necessarily have to be a member of the PTG to be able to take them, just as those who attend the LRS have to be members of the PTG. It won't have an impact on all techs, but it will certainly have an impact on the dealers. I recognize that there are some dealers who hire qualified techs, but if this can become an industry wide requirement, where all dealers will have to hire "qualified" techs, it might encourage more techs to take the seminars, especially if they want to be considered by dealers. Wim -----Original Message----- From: Mark Wisner <markwisner at earthlink.net> To: caut at ptg.org Sent: Sat, Nov 21, 2009 8:02 pm Subject: [CAUT] Jeanie's brain storm - was Boston changed to dealers... Jeanie, Your "brainstorm" is a little like my wife's profession. In order for Stella to keep her license valid every year she has to pick up a specific number of continuing education credits, which she earns by attending classes at any one of a number of professional conventions, classes, seminars, etc. I'm not seriously suggesting we can apply this to PGT at this time, but in a world where pianos are more important than they are.....what a great way to increase skills, event attendance, and importance to the "RPT" title. Mark Wisner -----Original Message----- >From: Diane Hofstetter <dianepianotuner at msn.com> >Sent: Nov 21, 2009 9:39 PM >To: College and University Technicians <caut at ptg.org> >Subject: [CAUT] Boston changed to dealers techs mfgrs and other such > > >Jeannie, > > I like your "just brainstorming"! It seems with the changes in the economy it is becoming essential that the different parts of the piano industry find a way to work together and support each other. Someone said on one of these lists that one of the manufacturers lost 300 dealerships this year. That adds up to LOTS of pianos not sold, and even more tunings that don't need to be done over the coming years. And, that's only one manufacturer. > >Diane Hofstetter > > > >Jeannie said: > In fact, I had >to turn down one of the Steinway sessions one year because I couldn't afford >it. I think it would be a mistake to make it so pricey that even less >people could attend. > >Manufacturer's classes at Conventions and Regional Conferences can be >documented. Paying a small fee and pre-registering for such a class, or >series of classes might be doable for many. In the past I've been willing >to pay $50 or $60 for a special class and might even consider paying more if >it would save me the hotel and airfare of going to another facility. >Attendees could be given some sort of certificate to attest to the fact that >they were there. Instructors could actually give feedback as to whether the >student was on the right track or needed some additional training. This >certificate could be requested by dealers if the manufacturers expected them >to use such accredited technicians. > >Just brain storming... >jeannie > > > >Diane Hofstetter -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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