outrageous charges--estimates

[Wilsons]

David:  Is this other person an RPT or at least an Associate member of
PTG? The answer to that would probably influence my course of action.

--Wally Wilson, RPT
   Ravenswood, WV
   Columbus, OH chapter

David Renaud wrote:

> Has anyone ever had any success in dealing with such a character
> or is it a total waste of energy.
>
> Case study----
>
> Client has $1500 worth of work done, bass will not stay in tune.
> Work is otherwise fine but the bass has some loose pins.
> The "rebuilder" does not return so the client gets an estimate from
> a second technician.Unfortunitly they call a technician with
> a reputation among those that know better.
>
> Here it is, on paper for her.
> ------------------------------
> Change 16 loose pins.
>
> Parts-----           $25 per pin * 16     = $400
>         Shipping of pins on special order=  $40
>         Labor 2 hr. * 120 per hour       = $240
>
>             Sub total= $680 plus tax and tuning fee
>              for a total of over $800.
> --------------------------------
> For my part:
> Lots of room to drive in pins, nice a tight for now.
> Cost her nothing over the tuning fee.
> I explained to her the full range of options, real
> cost of parts, and made recommendations to solve the
> problem with Webb Philips method.
>
> This same tech  is charging $3 per paper punching
> and walking out peoples door with $400 in under
> two hours, tuning time included........, no receipt.
> He keeps some clients by badmouthing every other
> technician in the region, and instilling fear and mistrust.
> I have a client(who will never hire him again) who is
> willing to testify that this gentleman told him I am"blacklisted"
> and a terrible tuner and never to hire me. ( I do all the music
> schools and the concert hall in my city for the last 8 years,
> after he was fired from the same).
>
> I'm amazed this person is still in business,
> I am obviously frustrated for the clients sake, and the trades sake.
>
> If I sold my $5000 used Honda to some old lady that didn't
> know better at a 5000% mark up for $250,000
> is that not fraud, and have some legal ramifications?
> $440 for 16 tuning pins for parts only???
> Is there no accountability in this business.
>
>                  Sorry, but I like this business and
>                  this case gets under my skin.
>                                       Sincerely
>
>                                       David Renaud