HI Brad, Being honest with our customers is the only way we can be successful as self-employed types. I would have responded to your colleague the same way. If your customer wants something done that you can't do, find someone who can do it. Not only are you doing the right thing, but you will probably get referrals from that customer if he/she can sense your honesty and your desire to have things done right. Just my 2 hz., Dave Stahl Dave Stahl Piano Service 650-224-3560 dstahlpiano at sbcglobal.net http://dstahlpiano.net/ -----Original Message----- From: Brad Smith, RPT <staff at smithpiano.com> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org> Sent: Thu, 4 May 2006 19:35:07 -0400 Subject: Ethics question, a recent example 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20060505/89f9a857/attachment.html
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