A Question re: Stealing Customers??

[DGPEAKE@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 3/1/99 7:20:28 PM Pacific Standard Time,
btrout@desupernet.net writes:

<< Dear List,
 
 I'd like to ask a question.  I mean no ill will toward anyone in asking, and
I
 certainly don't wish to cause any flared tempers or the like.
 
 I'm not presently a member of the guild, but am giving some consideration to
 joining.
 
 What position does the 'guild' take, and what position do you as individuals
take in
 regards to servicing a customer of another guild member?  What do you do if
your
 customer calls upon the 'other' tuner in town, or responds to 'their'
advertising?
 
 What a sticky question!!
 
 Right now, at least for the time being, I work for a dealer and am somewhat
 insulated from this question.  But it's been on my mind.
 
 How do you reconcile being part of an organization where other members are
actually
 your competition?  How do you maintain good working relationships with those
who are
 in direct competition for the same dollar you are after?
 
 I realize that in some instances there will be a division of skills among
people.
 Some are better at tuning, some at voicing, some at regulation, some at
bellying,
 some at refinishing...
 
 I guess at the heart of my question is this.  Relationships and a spirit of
 comradery(sp?) are important to me.  Being able to openly share and learn
from each
 other is very important to me.  How do you keep peace in the 'family'?
 
 I do ask these questions with a sincere heart, again not wanting to ruffle
anyone's
 feathers.
 
 I'd really appreciate your thoughts.
 
 Thanks,
 
 Brian Trout
 Quarryville, PA
 
 
We all lose customers from time to time to other technicians, even those in
the Guild.  It is a fact of life that everyone I tune for may or may not like
me.  I service every customer professionally to the best I know how, but no
matter what you do, the customer may not retain your services.

The best way to not let it interfere with your fellow technicians is to not
let the business and friendship combine.  Ask yourself this:  how would he
feel if he knew you now have his customer?  It goes both ways. The customer
may not like you as well as him, even though you are as good a technicians as
he. Bottom line, the customer is still getting quality service. I do not see
it as stealing customers unless the technicians bad mouth each other.  I do
not believe bad mouthing is the attitude of the PTG.

Hope this answers your questions.

Dave Peake, RPT
Oregon City, OR
Portland Chapter