Tuning after regular hours (was Home Alone)

[Clyde Hollinger]

Ola,

In my newsletter I give the client options I can think of, such as asking a relative or friend to be present, leaving a key with a trusted neighbor
(and telling me where to go, of course), having me call them at work so they can come home and unlock, leaving a key somewhere outside.  It depends
on what is wise for their area and what they are comfortable with.  I will *always* lock the door when leaving unless they specifically tell me not
to.  (Even that got me in trouble one time.)

I've been thinking about this from time to time.  My current practice is to inform the client that I, like everyone else, want to have my evenings
and weekends free.  I will do an occasional tuning for a regular client during those times if there is no other reasonable option for the situation.
For example, in a local fine arts center I will do a Sunday morning tuning for a Sunday evening concert if some other group was using the building
and the piano Saturday evening.

I also went to a house very late when they came home and found water in the piano due to a plumbing problem, and in another instance when a soft
drink was accidentally spilled onto a grand piano action the day before the concert.  We have to do those things.

Your response may also depend on how badly you need the business.  When I was getting started I was much more flexible.  In fact, I had another
fulltime job, so nearly all my tunings were evenings and Saturdays.  I am away from that almost entirely.  Most clients can figure out a way if they
really want the tuning.  I do sometimes agree to come a little earlier or later in the day than usual to accommodate someone.

I would be interested in feedback on this idea:
I've considered establishing a policy that I will do evening and weekend tunings for an additional fee, perhaps 10% or 25% for established clients
and 50% for non-clients who are in an emergency situation.  That way if someone is desperate enough they can get the work done, rather than have
everyone in the area turn them down flat, and they should be grateful and pay the fee willingly.  The question is, will they?  Comments?

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger

Johan Ola Andersson wrote:

> What about late appointments?
>
> I feel it difficult to find time for tuning when the costumer often comes late home from job and wants me to tune in the evening or on saturdays.
>
> How do you handle that?
>
> Ola Andersson