This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment I think a store should pay you full rate ,unless they send tuning = referrals your way. Then the exchange is discounted tuning charge for = giving you business. When I get a request from a store outside my area = or that uses another tech, I tell them what I charge. =20 I'm with you on being independant in what store or piano you turn people = on to. No conflict of interest etc. And when people find out you're = honest , it does everyone a world of good. Phil Frankenberg CSU Chico, Ca. ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Terry=20 To: pianotech@ptg.org=20 Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 11:08 AM Subject: New Piano Referral Looking for an opinion or two.=20 Recently I got calls from two people looking to buy a good vertical = piano for their children that are taking piano lessons. One I did not = know, and the other I had tuned their old piano several times. I gave = them both an earful about used pianos. Both indicated some interest in = considering a new vertical piano, but definately wanted to stay below = $5K. Anyway, the bottom line was that one of the recommendations I gave = them was to check out a particular store in the area and look at a = couple of particular new pianos there. They did and both bought new = studio pianos from that dealer. I have no relationship whatsoever with = the dealer (I did a few floor tunings for him years ago) - just think he = is an honest guy and I like the products he sells. I did not recommend = any of the other several dealers in the area. I don't think it is unreasonable to conclude that I referred the = customers to the dealer. The dealer called me and told me that these two people requested that = I provide them their one free tuning that comes with the new piano. I = asked what he pays for that type of tuning. He gave me a price that is = 50/85 of my normal tuning fee. I suppose there is every possibility the = pianos may also need a pitch raise, which in that case, the fee quoted = might be 50/125 of my normal pitch-raise-and-tuning fee. I've done these types of tunings before for stores and that type of = low pay. I have to admit that I'm pretty much over that phase of my = tuning career. But as a matter of principle, my gut tells me that the = dealer should gladly pay me my standard tuning fee. I'm not asking for = any type of commission related to the sale of the pianos. In fact, I = don't want a comission - I enjoy the very independant nature of my = business. It's just a matter of priciple to me - I should think he would = pay my normal bill with a smile on his face. It is possible that he is not aware that I referred the customers to = him (although, I would think so). Anyone have any experience/opinion on such a matter? Terry Farrell ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/aa/0e/5d/2e/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC