buying clients/business

[Farrell]

Three years ago I bought a business from the wife of a local tuner that
passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He was semi-retired, and had about
100 3x5 cards in a box. I paid his wife $2,500, and she sent a letter to
each customer on his list explaining his sudden death and giving them my
name. I followed up to all with my  own letter of introduction. I have tuned
52 of those original 100 pianos, plus his wife has referred perhaps 20 or so
additional telephone inquires to me.

That's how it worked out for me.

Your case is different because the guy is still in business. Perhaps a good
way to work with him on this and avoid much  trouble would be to simply have
him refer all new business your way. That way you get new business, and you
don't have to tread on his "trusted customers". If he needs to trim his
business even more, then he can work some existing clients in in a similar
manner.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doepke Family" <doepke@fwi.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 11:25 PM
Subject: buying clients/business


> I am looking for some educated input.  I hope you can help.
>
> My piano tuning/technician mentor as offered to sell off some of his
> customers when my skills have improved to a point where he feels
comfortable
> doing so.  He is getting older and is starting to think about cutting back
> on his work day.  He has an enormous client list and has just become a
part
> owner of a piano store.  He is getting burned out and has been working
with
> me for close to 2 years preparing me to take over abit for him.
>
> How are clients/customers sold?  Is this done on a one-by-one client
basis?
>
> I have expressed some concern that there is much trust and a level of
> confidence that he has built with his customers.  He has quietly explained
> to me that when I am ready he will introduce me to his customers in order
to
> make a smoother transition.  I feel that this is very important for the
> future relationship with the customers.
>
> Any feedback will be very much appreciated.
>
>
> Brian
> doepke@fwi.com
>