Premium Rates

[VOCE88@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 5/21/2000 4:32:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
staytuned@idirect.com writes:

> 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
>  
My 2 cents. I have never tuned full time on the street, but tuning is a 
service, just like teaching. Both have busier times, a "steady clientele" and 
slow periods. (Summer for teaching and tuning)

When a professional teacher wants to "weed out" students that aren't that 
serious, make way for new business, or work a bit less and make the same 
money, raising their price can accomplish all of these things. It assumes 
that a certain percentage of your customer base realize the worth of your 
service, of course.

To the general public, it may also increase your "perceived value" and 
actually help your professional reputation. I have heard of stories from 
teachers whose work load INCREASED immediately after raising their fees. 
(Don't count on this to happen immediately)

Again, my 2 cents worth