the economy

[Dean May]

When the customer responds to your price quote with, "I'll think about it,"
I always volunteer that if price is their major consideration then I am one
of the most expensive tuners around. I might even give them the names of
some cheaper tuners.

Be proud of the price you charge and the years of experience you had to go
through to get to this price level. It subtly communicates to the customer
that though they can find a cheaper price they will be getting what they pay
for.

-- 
Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
Terre Haute IN  47802



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*From:* pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] *On
Behalf Of *wimblees at aol.com
*Sent:* Saturday, October 11, 2008 1:07 AM
*To:* pianotech at ptg.org
*Subject:* Re: the economy



Bruce

The problem is that the other tuners on this island have not kept up with
the cost of living. (and neither have some other businesses). When I got
here, I found out that most of the tuners charge less than $100 for a
tuning, some even as low as $65. The only guy who charges more is the
symphony tuner, and he gets only $135. When I asked the other tuners, (all
PTG members) why they don't charge more, their answer basically is that they
will loose their customers. . This is a small island, and if they charge
more, they will not only loose that customer, but all their relatives and
friends, And that can add up to a large number. Even though they are all at
least a month or more behind, they still insist that they can't charge more

I charge $115, (just went up from $110), When I am asked what my fee is,
about 1 out of 5 will say, "I'll think about it", or something to that
effect. My wife keeps telling me to lower my fee, but I think I will get
just as many "thinkers", if I say I charge $95, or even $99. I just ran an
ad on a local jazz station, offering 20% discount, and didn't get ONE call.

So it isn't my fee. It's being new to the island. Even though I have only
been here for 14 months, I think I'm doing pretty good, especially
considering the current state of our economy.

So, Bruce, my business plan is fine. Don't forget, I did do some research on
this, (see my signature line).

Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
Mililani, Oahu, HI
808-349-2943
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