Premium Rates

[John Ross]

Hi John,
I do not feel that a reduced charge during slow months is a good idea. It
may cause some people to wait for the 'slow' season. If they hadn't waited
you would have the full price. Also how would your regulars feel if they see
a cheaper price.
The summers down here are so up and down, humidity wise, I don't recommend
tuning during the summer months. Only if required. If the piano is used year
round then I recommend a Dampp-Chaser system.
For the slow time, offer specials on keytop jobs, restringing, rehammering.
In other words the jobs that would interfere with lesson time, and also your
tuning time.
I personally do not feel good with myself if I recommend a tuning during the
unstable, non furnace time. I save during the busy time, and take it easy in
the heat of summer. Ok, no laughs about Nova Scotia summers, the sun does
shine and I do feel uncomfortable, with the humidity of summer. It is cool
beer and barbecue time.
I just do shop work at a relaxed pace, charged by the job, not by the hour.
I will be at Arlington, so I hope to see most of you there, at the Thursday
noon break. I noticed that it hasn't been promulgated, yet. Although the
Associate luncheon was. Will it be a register at the table event. Or just
show up and pay?
Regards,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.
----- Original Message -----
From: John Lillico, RPT <staytuned@idirect.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 21, 2000 4:49 PM
Subject: Premium Rates


> I used to reduce my charge during the slow months of July and August to
"encourage" business. It became a tradition. But, this year.... no way! In
fact, after seven years, I'll be increasing my charge by about ten per cent
come September.
>
> When I look cumulatively over the past six years, the busiest to slowest
months are Dec., Nov., Oct., Sep., Apr., Mar., Jan., Aug., May, Feb., June
and July. This has led me to consider charging a "premium" during those four
busy months, definitely not this year but, perhaps in 2001.
>
> Is there a law of economics here? Usually things are expensive when
they're scarce. I am thinking the same logic should apply to scarceness as
in the availability of slots, as in booking appointments.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> John Lillico, RPT
> Oakville, Ontario, Canada
>
>
>