Ethics question, a recent example

[Brad Smith, RPT]

Hi All,
I'm all wound up on this, and wonder if you've had similar experiences.

Recently evaluated a 1907 Steinway A for a customer who wished to sell it.
An associate of mine discussed with me, and decided to call a 'wheeler
dealer' fast talking guy who brokers Steinways.
The guy got me on the phone and tried everything he could to get me to
sway this customer into selling the piano for xx$ and you get xxx$ in
the process, etc.

I literally had to fight him to say that my position concerning this
customer was to be HIS advocate, and regardless of the fast commission
dangling there....I WAS NOT GOING to use the trusted relationship in
the way this guy wanted.

Really bothered me, the way this guy tried to pressure me into using
my position to persuade this customer in an advantageous way. I'm all
for making money from the position I hold in the piano industry;
networking; contacts, etc. ....but if a customer is paying me for
honest advice, and I accept the gig, my allegiance is to that
customer, period!

It's been a month or two since this happened, and I don't know if the
piano is sold yet or not.   I did provide the customer with several
websites where he could sell his piano, and a convenient PDF report
that he could email to prospective buyers.

I know a few people who would certainly not have lost a moment's sleep
over this, and would have done immediately what this guy on the phone
wanted.
I knew in my gut that I was doing the right thing, and I'm not trying
to get points for being some kind of naive person.

My feeling is that I should not have to steal from other people to
provide for my family, not for $50 and not for $5000.

Recently, another tech asked me about his dilemma...should he refer a
client for a rebuild, and risk losing the client to the rebuilder?
My answer:  Do what's in the customer's best interest, whether you
profit from it or not.

End of Sermon on the Laptop.  Amen.

--
Best Regards,
Brad Smith, RPT
www.SmithPiano.com
II III II III II III II III II III II III
brad at smithpiano.com
603-494-4147