$1 per cent, was Re: Tuning it where it is

[David ilvedson]

List,

I think Wim has a good point.  The easiest way is to 
determine you hourly rate.  Determine how long one pass over 
the piano takes and charge accordingly.  If it takes two 
passes before the actual "fine tuning" then double it.  I charge 
$80.00 per hour after the first hour, which is the tuning charge. 
It takes about 20 minutes for a pitch raise...you figure it out.  
What I really like about the fee per hour is often that first 
service isn't just pitch raising and tuning.  Maybe a small 
repair, pedals need some work, pulling the action and 
cleaning/lubing the keybed, etc.  I let the customer know that 
if I work on their piano for 2 hours the fees will be Tuning 
charge + 1 hour/$80.00.  It doesn't matter how I used my time 
in that service call (as long as I'm not drinking coffee).  I don't 
need to break it down on an invoice etc.  It's easy for me and 
the customer.  Parts are extra, but the shank here, spring 
there doesn't get charged.

David Ilvedson, RPT



From:           	Wimblees@AOL.COM
Date sent:      	Sun, 9 Jan 2000 22:27:46 EST
Subject:        	$1 per cent, was Re: Tuning it where it is
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> In a message dated 1/10/00 2:28:09 AM !!!First Boot!!!, RptBob1@AOL.COM 
> writes:
> 
> << I have been using the dollar a cent for pitch raises for years now.  It is 
> a 
>  very concise way to explain to the customer what the raise is going to 
> entail 
>  in so far as time is concerned.  I've never had anyone balk at the extra 
>  charge. I do sometimes lower the final expected fee if the pitch raise went 
>  particularly well because the piano was in really good condition. Quoting 
> the 
>  dollar-per-cent fee and then actually charging less is also good customer 
>  relations. When's the last time your friendly plumber did that for you?  And 
>  if he did, didn't you appreciate the gesture?
>  
>  Bob Bergantino, RPT
>  Willoughby Hills, Ohio >>
> 
> 
> The problem I have with charging a dollar per cent, is at what pitch do you 
> measure the piano to determine how much extra to charge. During the normal 
> seasonal change, A 4 might be 5 cents flat, but A3, (if is above the break) 
> might be 15 cents flat. In the summer, I have found some strings just above 
> the break as much as 10 cents sharp. Do you charge extra to bring those down? 
>  What is you "basic" rate, and how flat (or sharp), does it have to be before 
> you charge extra? 
> 
> When your charge is going to increase, do you increase the $1 per cent, or 
> have you been charging a $1 per cent ever since you started tuning?
> 
> Wim   
> 


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