The Professional Impression

[David ilvedson]

Clyde,

Professional might be the wrong word.  What I don't want to 
look like is a tradesman.  The plumber etc.  

David Ilvedson, RPT

Date sent:      	Tue, 08 Feb 2000 07:03:38 -0500
From:           	Clyde Hollinger <cedel@supernet.com>
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
Subject:        	The Professional Impression
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> David,
> 
> I'm not sure what you are referring to as possibly unprofessional.  Do you mean
> the vehicle signs?  I agree that appearing professional is a plus, but signs on
> the vehicle are a negative only if they are tacky.  In our area it is not
> unusual for me to service a piano when no one is home; the client just leaves
> the door unlocked for me.  I always feel better if the neighbors know who is
> going in that house, which they probably wouldn't if I were driving an unmarked
> car.
> 
> (About the business license, in our area none is needed other than the PA sales
> tax license.)
> 
> I use very nicely done magnetic signs.  Since I do not want to buy a separate
> vehicle just for piano work, my business vehicle is also the family car.  I
> have had people express mild surprise when they learned the signs are magnetic.
> 
> Now to broaden the subject a little, I've looked around the parking lot at some
> conventions.  On occasion a piano service vehicle shows rust or damage or the
> need for repair or a new paint job.  I recognize that not all of us can afford
> to, or care to, drive snazzy late-model vehicles, but it is to anyone's credit
> to keep the vehicle clean and looking nice, regardless of its age.  That's my
> take.
> 
> Regards,
> Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> 
> David ilvedson wrote:
> 
> > No offense intended Richard, but I made a concious decision
> > to try to appear professional.  I decided I would prefer that my
> > customers not lump me in with the Roto-Rooter man or
> > furnace repairman.  I think my profession is different from
> > them.  Whether it is or not is up to debate.  Now whether my
> > Toyota Corolla puts forth much of an impression is also
> > debateable.  Here in the Bay Area companies doing business
> > in different cities are suppose to have a business license from
> > each city.  I have heard of repair folk with advertising on their
> > vehicles getting checked for a business license.  That is really
> > absurd but true!
> >
> > David I.
> >
> > > I rarely see a piano tuner with his name on his car. Why not?  I drive a
> > > bright red van.  In large gold letters on the back/side windows I have
> > > my business name and a large gold grand piano.   Has it resulted in
> > > business? You bet.  People have followed me to get the phone number. It
> > > has paid for the $150 lettering at least five times so far.
> > >
> > > Martin, I would be glad to go over additional things that I'm doing to
> > > promote Oliver Piano Services if you would like to call some afternoon.
> > > 217-935-4284  Best of luck, it's a fine field to be in. With some of the
> > > nicest and most helpful people I've meet anywhere.
> > > Richard
> > >
> > > Martin Dubow wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dear All,
> > > >
> > > > I'm curious about stories regarding how you went from whatever you were
> > > > doing
> > > > before, to actually making a living as a tuner. I sold a furniture
> > > > factory and am
> > > > living on reserves while I feverishly learn the trade and build up a
> > > > clientele. I'm
> > > > just praying my reserves last long enough to become viable doing this.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks.
> > > >
> > > > Martin
> > >
> >
> > David Ilvedson, RPT
> > Pacifica, CA
> > ilvey@jps.net
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net