outrageous charges--estimates

[David Renaud]

Farrell wrote:

> It is really unfortunate that some
> would operate at that level. I had a brush with the libel thing myself in
> the past. Time seems to have helped it work out. Hope your situation
> remedies itself. Good luck.
>

Mr FarrellI believe he is simply frustrated with his rapidly declining
clientele.
Doesn't hurt me one bit. I just don't like to see piano owners getting
the run around.

                                 Dave Renaud
                                 RPT


> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David Renaud" <studiorenaud@qc.aibn.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Friday, March 17, 2000 11:14 AM
> Subject: outrageous charges--estimates
>
> > 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
> >