New Piano Referral

[Robin Stevens]

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 Terry...I think the first thing you did wrong was to ask him what he pay=
s
for a tuning. I would have reminded him that you referred the customers t=
o
him and then said nothing about the tuning fee, =0D
 Then... send him a normal invoice for ALL work done. I notice the dealer
did not ask what commission you wanted.=0D
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Regards=0D
Robin Stevens=0D
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-------Original Message-------=0D
 =0D
From: Pianotech=0D
Date: 01/07/05 05:39:14=0D
To: pianotech@ptg.org=0D
Subject: New Piano Referral=0D
 =0D
Looking for an opinion or two. =0D
 =0D
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 n=
ew
vertical piano, but definately wanted to stay below $5K. Anyway, the bott=
om
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 piano=
s
there. They did and both bought new studio pianos from that dealer. I hav=
e
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 h=
e
sells. I did not recommend any of the other several dealers in the area.=0D
 =0D
I don't think it is unreasonable to conclude that I referred the customer=
s
to the dealer.=0D
 =0D
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 al=
so
need a pitch raise, which in that case, the fee quoted might be 50/125 of=
 my
normal pitch-raise-and-tuning fee.=0D
 =0D
I've done these types of tunings before for stores and that type of low p=
ay.
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 glad=
ly
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.=0D
 =0D
It is possible that he is not aware that I referred the customers to him
(although, I would think so).=0D
 =0D
Anyone have any experience/opinion on such a matter?=0D
 =0D
Terry Farrell=0D
=20
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