In a message dated 6/02/2000 7:21:47 AM, Clyde wrote: <<"Do those of you who rebuild pianos give free estimates?">> Clyde; I don't give anything free except smiles, kind words and occasionally advice/opinions :-) I charge the equivalent of a tuning fee for all estimates. During an estimating trip if they want the piano tuned I will not charge for the tuning..cause they are already paying for it and I can make my estimate while tuning. On an 'estimate' call I never leave the customer with anything in writing except the bill for the estimate. When I get back to the shop I will fill out a formal quote/estimate with all suggested work fully described and with any notations or alternatives included. I send a copy of this to the customer, keep a copy for myself.....thus precluding and holding any "I Thoughts" "I Understoods" "But You Saids" in abeyance. :-) My quotes are good for sixty days only and include a credit for the estimate fee in some cases. All we have to sell is our time and if we don't get paid for it, and give value for what we charge, we are shortchanging ourselves and our customers..but that is just my opinion, perhaps others will feel differently. Jim Bryant (FL)
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