Now in one of the more civilised parts of the world, professional organisations, are allowed to set minimum prices as a guide line for its members. Both U.K. tuning organisations set minimum price standards for its members. They are divided in to a North south price structure. In the North of England it is £24.00 and for the South of England it is £35.00 this is for straight forward fine tuning for a customer who has their piano tuned twice a year. I have been reading the posts in the last couple of days, after returning from my well deserved vacation and was quite amazed that the price difference between the two sides of the Atlantic. However, on reflection I realise that piano tuners in the U.K. do not have the added burden of public liability insurance (if they are a member of one of the organisations) or Medical insurance. I personally live in Blackburn, in the North of England which is an EEC designated 2 area, an EEC designated 1 area is classed as equivalent to the third world poverty status and high unemployment. There are only two areas within the EEC Liverpool and Southern Italy with Grad 1 status. I charge £28.00 for a straightforward tuning £34.00, for a small pitch move and £45.00 for a semitone pitch move. On the semitone pitch move the customer must have it tuned again one month later at £34.00. I do have competitors in my area who are charging as little as £18.00, also, I have members of piano tuning organisations who stick to the recommended price structure. We do have similar laws in the U.K. regarding monopolise and Companies forming cartels. However, this is aimed at multinational companies and not tradesman. Take care, Barrie. In article <970829195205_-267122745@emout19.mail.aol.com>, DGPEAKE@aol.com writes >My understanding of the antitrust laws concerning PTG is that we cannot >publish or force prices that technicians must charge. That does not mean we >cannot talk about what we charge, only do not mandate that everyone should >charge this. > >I have a good idea what the going rate is and I am within that rate. My >charges are based on what a good journeymans wage should make. 1/2 of my >charge goes back in the business. The only time my charges go up is when the >expence goes up. > >It is a good idea to know what other RPT's charge because there is always >someone who will charge less. And if the customer is one who only goes for >the cheapes price, he or she will not use me. I always tell them that I am >an RPT in the Guild and my skill level justifies my charge. If others have >the same skill level and do not charge close to what I charge, he should be. > >$60-75 is a good place to start. Pitch raise extra, about $20-30. > >Dave Peake, RPT >Portland, OR > > -- Barrie Heaton | Be Environmentally Friendly URL: http://www.airtime.co.uk/forte/piano.htm | To Your Neighbour The UK PIano Page | pgp key on request | HAVE YOUR PIANO TUNED
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