Fees

[Mike and Jane Spalding]

Hi Dave,

Now the conversation will go something like this:

How long will it take you to fix the sticking keys and the noisy pedals?

Well it depends on what is causing them to stick, it might be a minor thing and it might not.  I'll have to assess the problem at the piano.

Mike Spalding


----- Original Message ----- 
From: David Love <davidlovepianos@earthlink.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 9:18 PM
Subject: Re: Fees


My fee for 1.5 hours would not be cheating myself.  The incident which precipitated this was a phone call, it went something like this:  

Hello, how much do you charge for a tuning?

Well my basic fee is ___.

Well the piano hasn't been tuned in 15 years.

Well then it could be more if I have to make a pitch correction before fine tuning.

Oh, and also, there are several notes sticking.

Well it depends on what is causing them to stick, it might be a minor thing and it might not.  I'll have to assess the problem at the piano.

Oh, and also the tone is so harsh and bright, is that included in your fee?

Well, no.  That falls under the category of tone regulation and it is difficult to make an assessment not having seen the piano.

You mean it might cost more?

Well, yes.

And the pedals are making a terrible racket.  Is that included.

Well, it depends on the problem.  Why don't we schedule to get the piano tuned and I'll be better able to advise you then.  

Oh I don't know, it all sounds a little vague to me.

Yes, to me too...


Sound familiar?  Charging by the hour is easier and fairer.


David Love

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Wimblees@AOL.COM 
  To: pianotech@ptg.org 
  Sent: March 15, 2002 5:27 PM
  Subject: Re: Fees


  In a message dated 3/15/02 11:04:14 PM !!!First Boot!!!, davidlovepianos@earthlink.net writes: 



    Going to this method required a slight increase in my fee and I was a bit concerned about this at first.  But I am finding little or no resistance when I explain that the fee buys a block of time.  Overall, it has allowed me to reduce my appointment load on any given day to a maximum of 4 (before it was 5).  There is less driving and less stress involved in making it to the next appointment on time when I run into something unexpected.  I can deliver better service and feel more satisfied with my work.  Customers are ultimately more pleased with the instruments (even if they don't know exactly why) which is good for referral business.  I suggest you all consider it.   

    David Love 



  David 

  As long as what you charge for the 1.5 hour of time pays your business expenses, and provides you with an income with which you can pay your home bills, then go for it. Generally, piano tuners are charging about $70 -- $90. (depending on where you live). Most tunings are done in about 60 - 75 minutes. (Again, depending on experience, etc..) If you have been charging, lets say $80, for tuning, and it took you 60 minutes. then you should be charging $120 for your 1.5 hour service call. If you can get it, great. If you're not charging that much, you'll be cheating yourself. 

  Wim