Christmas "overtime" premium?

[Clyde Hollinger]

I think an extra charge for short-notice work is perfectly justifiable.
Develop a sound rationale and policy, then stick to it.  This is something
I've often thought of doing but haven't yet.  :-(

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger

David Renaud wrote:

> Lets say your booked up too capacity and then some till Christmas.
> What is the consensus about charging a premium for short notice
> "emergency" tunings.
>
> For example:     Last week someone requests four
> concert tunings on 24 hrs notice. There are two grands to
> tune together twice for 4 hands concerts.  They are coming
> into town after sitting in a cold truck for a few days.
> They want them both done on the Friday and Saturday.
> Yes, they waited till Thursday to book a technician.
> I already have over 12hrs work both days, but it is possible
> and 5 min. from home. The usual people I call for help are busy.
> The client was insistent that they should get a discount for the
> second piano as usual, but I was insistent that I
> should not be doing it, but if they must have me I would charge
> my regular rate for each, no discounts.
> They reluctantly paid, but not without some tension.
> Worked out OK. Pianos were very nice. Easy tunings.
>
> So.
> In general is it wrong to charge extra for emergency overtime?
> Would most people walk away, avoiding creating ill will with an extra
> charge?
> How do you deal with promoters that order tunings like ordering pizza.
> I've heard of a technician charging $250 to go out on New Years Eve on a
> couple hours notice.
>
>                                 All opinions welcome
>                                 Cheers
>                                 Dave Renaud
>                                 RPT
>                                 Canada