Similar to Mike below, I tune for several schools, just none in my home county. School business is something I don't pursue as they are usually the most difficult as Mike cites below. They also are the most unappreciative. I can live without that. Dean Dean May cell 812.239.3359 PianoRebuilders.com 812.235.5272 Terre Haute IN 47802 _____ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Michael Magness Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 9:46 AM To: Pianotech List Subject: Re: School districts and markup On 10/10/07, Michelle Smith <michelle at smithpianoservice.com> wrote: Thanks Jim. I actually posted yesterday evening but it didn't show up for a while. I was, however, up at 4:40 this morning dealing with a 5-year-old issue. Sheesh! Have a good one! Michelle Smith _____ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of James H Frazee Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2007 6:45 AM To: Pianotech List Subject: Re: School districts and markup Michelle, I'm not sure I'd take a full mark-up, it would depend on the situation. (read, do I pay taxes in this district) But I'd certainly charge them more than just wholesale - you're time is worth something, just ask a teacher . . . And, by the way, what are you doing up so early? Jim Frazee Hi Michelle, I have tuned for several school districts over the years although ironically never the one I live in(go figure)! Against the advice of my older, more experienced, wiser bretheren in the trade I offered a discount which I thought was appreciated when I began doing school work. I found it wasn't and my services were taken for granted as schools/teachers/directors are wont to do. I was called frequently at the last minute expected to re-arrange my schedule to accomodate theirs and still offer the discount. I eventually learned what my colleages had tried to tell me, never discount to anyone! I still do on occasion, in a case by case basis. Usually only on purchases of items, cutting some percentage points or including some labor. In some cases offering a package deal. In rare instances I'll discount a tuning for a mention in the printed program. For instance in the sale you are asking about you might offer a percentage off with installation at your regular labor rate as a package. Explain that installing piano trucks isn't as simple as it appears and really should be done by someone with experience installing them and with knowledge of pianos. I have done the same thing when I sold piano trucks, Dampp-Chasers w/covers, etc. I hope this helps, good luck with the 5 year old, Mike -- Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.-- Albert Einstein Michael Magness Magness Piano Service 608-786-4404 www.IFixPianos.com email mike at ifixpianos.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20071010/9c960cea/attachment.html
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