Freebees-

[Susan Kline]

Build a good tuning, and repairs which stay repaired -- relax and forget 
about the rest of it, the fussy charges, the contracts in case of no-shows, 
the discounts for booking the next tuning on the spot, the reminder cards, 
the call-backs, the big display ad, the business name starting with AAA, 
the chatty little newsletter sent to everyone twice a year "it's time for 
your darling piano's next tuning" <barf> -- just toss all that time-wasting 
irritating  trivia -- they will come.

Really, think about what message you are sending out. Even just a pen with 
your name on it -- "This is someone who was short of work for so long that 
he decided to shell out money for  advertising. Either he is brand new to 
the trade, or his work is bad enough that he doesn't get much repeat 
business. He expects me to throw away his card and forget his name." People 
are naturally polite; they'll respect your professional dignity by taking 
your freebee and thanking you -- but they'll react to the hidden message 
just the same, maybe not even realizing why they aren't really sure they 
want you back.

If you're going to attempt to manipulate customers, try the opposite tack 
-- "Be sure to call at least three weeks in advance, especially around the 
holidays ..."

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