Too much of a good thing

[David ilvedson]

Certainly you must raise your prices...Are you the most 
expensive technician in your area?  If not, make it so.  Have 
you ever checked what other service industry folks charge to 
come to the house and work?  I think we piano technicians tend 
to value our work on the low side.  Work only on Grands might be 
an idea.  I'd be in the same boat if I just contacted my 
customers about regular service.  I need a secretary!

David ilvedson, RPT

> Date:          Mon, 23 Nov 1998 09:16:49 -0500
> From:          Clyde Hollinger <cedel@redrose.net>
> To:            pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject:       Too much of a good thing
> Reply-to:      pianotech@ptg.org

> Friends:
> 
> I am certain some of you long ago reached the point where I am now, so I
> would be interested in your advice.
> 
> After six years of full-time piano service (and 11-12 years part-time
> before that) I am swamped with work.  How does one go about reducing a
> workload?  I am committed to reliable service for my current clients,
> and I have a waiting list that will probably take me into February, and
> others keep calling.  I do no advertising except in the phone book.
> 
> Ideas I have considered:  refuse to go beyond a certain distance; refuse
> all new clients; stop calling back faithful clients who have old
> clunkers; become more expensive; there may be others.  When you got too
> busy, what did you do?  Would you do it the same way again, and if not,
> how would you do it differently?
> 
> Regards,
> Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> 
> 
> 
David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net