Cost of piano tunings-part II

[Tom Servinsky]

Devlon,
Well stated!
Tom Servinsky,RPT
----- Original Message -----
From: <BSHARPTUNE@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2001 11:33 PM
Subject: Cost of piano tunings-part II


> Sorry about that.  Sent the letter by accident before I was done.
>
> I concluded that it was some of both.  Not only that, look at how many
dish
> washer or air con repairmen you see listed as opposed to piano tuners!
These
> other types of repairmen are a dime a dozen.  A good piano tech is a much
> rarer breed!
>
> Anyway,  even though I had made up my mind that it was at least a logical
> thing to do in going up on my tuning price,  there was a fear factor that
I
> had to overcome before I actually increased my price, and I believe that
this
> is a fear that many of us face when we consider a rate increase.
>
> I was afraid that if I went up I would lose business, and that the other
> "lesser priced tuners" would get the business.  Boy, was I wrong.  The
> tunings did not decrease in the least, and neither will yours.   In fact,
> only about one in 5 or 6 people even ask me the tuning charge.  Within two
> weeks the other tuners were at 95.00 each as well.   In the past when I
went
> up,  I would mail a letter to the other piano techs in the area stating
that
> I was going up to $$, whatever that price was back then.   This let them
know
> what I was going up to, which believe me, they would find out in a short
time
> anyway, and also,  I felt it gave them the security to go up as well,
which
> they always did.  Don't be afraid to be the "leader of the pack" on your
> tuning prices.  Most customers believe that you pay for what you get!
And,
> the other tuners in your area will say "If he can get that much, so can
I!"
> So, the playing field is usually equalized again shortly anyway if you are
> worried about that!
>
> Bottom line:  CHARGE WHAT YOU ARE WORTH!  NOT A PENNY LESS!  We are in a
> profession that we should be proud of and that few have knowledge of.
Don't
> be afraid to get paid well for that knowledge!
>
> Challenge:  Raise your prices this week. See what happens.  If you lose
> customers, you can always go back down.  You can thank me later!
>
> Devlon
> Western KY Univ.