Ethical quandry

[EugeniaCar@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-03-16 01:40:38 EST, tcole@cruzio.com (Tom Cole) writes:

<<
 Dear List,

 Thank you to all who have responded so far. A lot of food for thought and I
coming to
 some conclusions about what it is that I can live with (ethics) as well as
what are some elements of good business (morals?). >>
 <<SNIP>>

Tom,

This has been a good discussion, not only for you who asked the question in
the first place, but also for us who have pondered over the issue itself and
all the responses. It certainly has made me re-examine my own positions. For
myself (only--I am not making a judgement on anyone else's ethical position),
it is wrong to accept two payments (or whatever I call them) for the same
purchase of a piano. One or the other--ok, but not both.

The primary service I sell is my time and knowledge. The physical aspect of
my profession is secondary. This is how I make my living. If I am not paid
for my primary service, I do not succeed in this business. If I do not
conduct myself as ethically as I can, I can't look at myself in the mirror.

One comment for food for thought: when I accept a commission for a piano
sale, I include the normal, followup warranty service at no charge to the
seller (tightening screws, adjusting the regulation, etc.). Normal
maintenance, including tuning, is still the buyer's responsibility. Not
advocating that anyone else do this; it is just my personal way.

Thanks for asking the question and thus reminding me that it was time to
re-examine!

Gina Carter