Christmas Piano Tuner

[David Renaud]

I started a waiting list for the first time this year. Had three cancellations this month,
all at the last min., and all three were immediately filled  from the waiting list. Also
started passing a few tunings onto another for the first time, (sub-contract,)
make a couple dollars off these new clients with old pianos anyway, and help a
new, serious tech, get started, he keeps the client.
   Should have done these two things a long time ago.

Steve Pearson wrote:

> Good points here!  One solution is to advance schedule whenever possible, so you may elect to leave some openings for these 'emergencies'.  Record an outgoing message that states you are booked solid, and instruct the caller to only leave a message if they  wish to be put on the waiting list.  Nobody has ever died because their piano was out of tune for the party, and you can bet next year, they will call early.  To paraphrase an old saying: "A lack of planning on the part of the customer does not constitute an emergency on the part of the tuner".  It is not impossible to imagine looking forward to the holidays with dread rather than eager anticipation.  Personally, I don't think the extra bucks are worth that risk.  Just my opinion.
> Steve Pearson
>
> >>> Clyde Hollinger <cedel@redrose.net> 12/18 4:57 AM >>>
> Dave and list,
>
> I don't have nearly as many calls like this as you do.  Up until now, if
> I get a call wanting last minute service, I refer them to someone else
> who I think may need the business.  But I am thinking of changing my
> policy so I can accommodate them if they really want _me_.  It would
> basically be what you do -- I will come if you pay overtime and if my
> schedule permits.
>
> For regular clients I will bend over backwards if it is an emergency.  I
> want them to know they can depend on me.  I think all of us do that.
>
> The public sometimes isn't aware how backlogged some piano technicians
> are.  The fact still remains that it's mostly their problem, not ours.
> They shouldn't have waited until the last minute.  Charging more for
> last-minute appointments solves our problem at the same time it solves
> theirs -- we become more willing to do the work, and they can get a
> tuning if they desperately need one, even if it is expensive.
>
> Your point about having a life besides piano service is a good one.  We
> all love making money, but if our relationship with wife and kids suffer
> because our work takes precedence over our commitments to them, we're
> heading for trouble.
>
> Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too!  :-)
>
> Clyde Hollinger
> Lititz, PA
>
> DGPEAKE@AOL.COM wrote:
> >
> > The Life of a Christmas Piano Tuner:
> >
> > I am mostly booked for December tunings by Dec. 1.  My busiest tuning month.
> > I usally close the shop and tune, tune, tune.  I sent out my reminders and by
> > the end of the 1st week, the rest of the month was booked.  Thanx to my wife,
> > she did the scheduling.
> >
> > This week while I was out tuning, she answered the phone.  "My office party is
> > this Friday at my house and the piano needs tuning.  Can you do it this week?
> > Sorry we are booked.  The phone rings again.  "Our church is having our
> > concert this weekend.  Can you do it before Sunday?"  Sorry we are booked.
> > Can you come on Saturday?  Sorry we are booked.  "Do you work on Saturday?"
> > No.  "Then why not come out and tune our piano?"   We have a life besides
> > pianos.  "Please come out!"  Ok if you insist, Dave will come over, but he
> > will charge double.  "Why Double?"  It is overtime for him, plus expenses, and
> > he deserves it just like anyone who works. "Then it is $100 plus?"  Yes.
> > "Sorry, I cannot afford it."  Click.
> >
> > In the meantime, I tune, tune, and tune.  The phone keeps ringing.  "Do you
> > have an opening for a tuning before Christmas?"  Sorry, we are booked.
> >
> > I plan on relaxing a bit during Christmas and take it east until the 1st of
> > the year. I am looking forward to being back in the shop.  Less tuning at
> > least.
> >
> > I can count the money at the end.  Give a portion to charity, pay the bills,
> > and have some leftover to buy office and shop supplies for a larger tax write
> > off.
> >
> > Isn't it nice to know we are so popular?  Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New
> > year!
> >
> > Dave Peake, RPT
> > Oregon City, OR
> > Portland Chapter