This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment Hi Matt, I think it is best to always be up front when people ask. We quote the standard tuning rate and say that if it has been awhile since the last tuning and the pitch has fallen, it could be up to twice the normal rate, depending on how low it is. Since I rarely break strings, I don't mention string breakage. But if it happens, I just explain that sometimes it happens when bringing the tension up this much. I never have anyone upset over that. If there are broken notes the explanation is that most any broken note problem can be fixed for $25-$50 each. But it may be less, even free, if for example it is only a lodged paper clip. Then it is stated that there is no way of giving an accurate quote without examining the piano. I used to not be careful to do the phone quote, only the evaluation and quotation at the start of the tuning appointment. I found much more resistance to having the work done, and often people felt like I was gouging them. Now when a piano needs a pr I don't even say anything, unless they ask. It was already covered on the phone call. I just do it and charge accordingly. On the Damp-Chaser installation, I usually try to sell the job before the tuning is done. If it is right after I've tuned, sometimes I will delay installation for 2-3 months and explain it will need tuned again. If I don't think they will do the second tuning, I will just do the install without the delay. I may explain that the piano will go out a little sooner. If that happens they just need to have it retuned. I know the piano will eventually get straightened out and if they call back to complain on the tuning (rare occurence) they accept the explanation. The big frustration with these systems is when you go out to a regular client (churches, usually) and find the system unplugged or dry and the piano +/- 15 cents. Then what do you do? I usually eat the lost appointment, plug it in/fill it up, and reschedule for two weeks. Sometimes I will change the pads and charge $25 for a service call and pad change so it is not a total loss. If it is not a regular customer (i.e., 2-3 years between appointments) I'll go ahead and tune it, but not put it all the way on pitch. To combat this problem I started carrying the 6 outlet adaptors and cord locks. If the outlet is crowded I don't even ask, usually, I just install the 6 outlet adaptor. If it is not a crowded outlet, I just put on the cord lock, a plastic strip the traps the cord against the outlet cover that makes it hard to unplug the cord. Blessings, Dean -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Matthew Todd Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 6:11 PM To: Pianotech Subject: Pitch Raise and String Breakage Hi List, When you're on the phone scheduling an appointment with a client, and you ask the question "How long has it been since the piano was last tuned", and they say "over 10 years", then you mention the pitch raise and the extra cost involved, and that their piano may need it....do you also mention that some strings might break over the phone, or do you wait till you're at their home before you bring it up? Matthew Todd Todd Piano Works Piano Tuner/Technician Tuning - Repairing - Regulating ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/64/81/b9/4e/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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