---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment List, I use Andrew's method of maintenance as well. IT's easier to sell bits and pieces of maintenance than to sell a 500 dollar job to a first time client. But after awhile, when they see that you are making huge improvements in their pianos, they trust what you say and are more likely to have the suggested service done. On the other side of the tracks, there are people who can barely afford pianos, but whose kids REALLY want to play (these are the people that tend to give the best tips...). I will usually give discounts, and do free pitch raises or other maintenance at a service call. It's hard to lump all clients into one basket. Some have more money than God, but buy a weasly little piano disc-laden pocket grand that they never want to have tuned. Trying to talk some these people out of money--even for just a tuning--is like trying to talk a lion out of that dead zebra he's chowing down at the waterhole. Dale, Dave, Barbara and others who have been in business for years have built long-term trust with their clients. Those of us who are newer to the business need patience to develop these types of relationships. Dave Stahl In a message dated 11/13/2005 3:24:10 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, anrebe@sbcglobal.net writes: I've taken a different approach to this. I charge a flat fee for a period of time with the piano. I am the most expensive technician servicing my area. During that time period I do as much as I can for the piano. With a piano I am seeing for the first time, I may end up only pitch-correcting. The second time around I may do a little hammer shaping and voicing where it is most desperately needed. The third time around... etc. On my service record I record everything that I've done and everything the piano needs that I notice. When I call the second time they sometimes want more of it done and we schedule a longer appointment. Basically the piano just keeps getting better the longer I service it. I encourage clients to consider a separate appointment to get a totally un-prepped piano in good regulation etc. Some will, some wait. Don't try to be cheap. Make sure you charge as much for your time doing everything else a piano needs as you charge for tuning. It is no fun just tuning or horrible piano that is begging to be better. I worked on a Wurly the other day that I thought should be headed to the landfill. I was surprised with what I got out of it. Next time it will be even better. If you give your clients the choice of doing less or nothing, most will. Set maintenance intervals, closer together where needed. I call it maintenance and say that tuning is just one fraction of what makes a piano great. My take on it. Andrew Anderson ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/32/11/41/02/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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