New Question re: Potential Customers

[Dave Bunch]

After many years of sending out reminder cards, I decided to see if the
personal touch would yield better results. My wife, with professional phone
experience, was nice enough to call my customers for several months instead
of sending cards to see if there would be an increase in repeat business.

When I compared the two methods the response rate was virtually identical,
so I am back to sending reminder cards. The only time these days that I want
to call a customer is to respond directly to a call of theirs that I missed.
I believe that anything else just feels like a phone solicitation to most
people and gets them in a defensive mode. I just know the way I immediately
react to what even MIGHT be a sales call. Its not pretty :-)

Dave Bunch
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan R. Barnard" <mathstar@salemnet.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2002 12:52 PM
Subject: New Question re: Potential Customers


> I've noticed several references to sending out reminder cards, etc.
>
> I have been calling people when it's time (or when I think it's time) to
> tune. Sometimes I get put off indefinitely or vaguely--they think the
piano
> sounds fine or don't want to spend the $, I suppose.
>
> This feels like I used to when I sold insurance and called to set
> appointments ... I don't like the feeling BUT I just think there would be
> more procrastination and forgotten schedules if I leave it to the customer
> to call--also more pitch adjustments to deal with, etc.
>
> Your thoughts?
>
> Alan R. Barnard
> Salem, MO
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Elian Degen J." <elian_degen@cantv.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Cc: <bigda@gte.net>
> Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2002 9:43 AM
> Subject: Re: Potential Customers
>
>
> > Hi David
> >
> > In my case, I can add
> >
> > Show interest for your customer, if he likes it take some time for
> smaltalk
> >
> > Take note of points of interest. Birthday, Wife birthday, ... , Use them
> to
> > send greeting cards.
> >
> > Let them know you can remind him of future tuning and service dates, do
it
> >
> > Send them ocasionaly info about the piano or new things you consider of
> > interest.
> >
> > works pretty well
> >
> > Elian
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "David Andersen" <bigda@gte.net>
> > To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2002 02:19
> > Subject: Re: Potential Customers
> >
> >
> > > >  +  Z! Reinhardt  RPT
> > > >  Ann Arbor  MI
> > > >  diskladame@provide.net
> > >
> > > Good post, Z!
> > >
> > > I'll repeat and expand on my advice to all:
> > >
> > > ---Pick up the thrown-down gauntlet:  passionately improve your craft
> > > until you are perceived as one of the best guys(again, non-gender
usage
> > > of this word) in your area.
> > >
> > > ---practice and live the Golden Rule.
> > >
> > > ---keep your crushing psychological problems out of the workplace.
> > > Nobody likes to hire a pissing and moaning victim.
> > >
> > > ---grooving with animals & children is a sure-fire route to long-term
> > > customers.
> > >
> > > ---quietly and courteously demand respect.
> > >
> > > ---raise your prices often.
> > >
> > > Hope this helps......David Andersen
> >
>
>