Great story Tom, I love it!
Piano technicians are underpaid. I believe part of the reason we are
underpaid is due to our own lack of understanding business operations,
knowing what to charge and when and being afraid of charging our true worth
for fear of what the client might say or for fear of losing one. It is
because of this fear, that so many technicians do not charge what they
should and do not raise prices in a timely fashion like yearly or at the
very least, every other year. It is because of the lack of business
knowledge and understanding that so many technicians do not keep track very
well, of many things. One of them being the last time they increased their
prices and by what percentage? Has it been 2 years? Or has it been 7? I
know one tuner that increases his rate about once every 5-7 years and then
by not all that much.
Making a business plan along with goals each year and then achieving these
goals is a good idea along with reading material related to running a
business. Should we go into any business not knowing anything about how to
run one? It is a sure plan for failure or a very long road to success at
best.
Jer
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Tom Rhea, Jr.
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 6:16 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] rates for new techician
Hi Zoe,
Please bear with me while I relate an old story from my sawmill days.
"An old electrician retired from a sawmill that he had worked at for 50
years. After the ceremony he went home, hung up his tool belt and forgot
about the mill.
Several months went by during which the mill ran flawlessly. Then one
morning everything just quit. Nothing worked!! None of the mill
technicians could figure out what was going on. In desperation, the mill
manager called the retired electrician and asked for his help. The
electrician said that he would be glad to if they would pay for his help.
The manager, losing money by the minute, agreed to his request.
The old man strapped on his tool belt and made his way to the mill. Once
inside he walked to the back of the mill and opened a little used door to an
equipment room. Inside the room, at the back, was another door that few had
every seen, much less gone through. The electrician opened it
("creeeeeeak") and went back to a box that contained several relays. After
looking at them for a few moments he pulled out his screwdriver, turned it
around and tapped on one of the relays. All of a sudden the power came back
on and the mill was back up and running. The manager asked how much he owed
the old man but he said that he would send him a bill.
A couple of weeks later the manager received the electrician's bill and was
astounded at the amount: $10,000.50! He called the electrician to enquire
about such an unusual amount. The electrician reminded the manager that he
agreed to pay his price. The manager quickly agreed but was only curious
about the strange amount. The electrician chuckled and said that the $0.50
was for tapping on the relay and the $10,000.00 was knowing where to tap!"
Just remember that when you agonize about what to charge. You are a trained
and knowledgeable technician and even though you are somewhat new to the
business, don't discount your worth. If your clients could do the work,
then they wouldn't need you. Since they DO need you, don't be shy about
charging prevailing area rate.
Good Luck and Happy Tuning!
Tom Rhea
Rhea Piano Service.
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Zoe Sandell
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 10:49 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] rates for new techician
Thanks everyone,
I am looking to take my PTG exams soonish- (still working on perfecting the
temperament!) I am working/apprenticing 4 days week as an assistant
technician at the local Conservatory of music. It is an incredible
experience- with tons of pianos to tune and work on
I agree with the quality- I wouldn't sell a tuning job if I am not confident
about it- so why would I charge a lot less...
It is very interesting to me that there is pretty much a consensus that
clients wanting cheap prices- are not loyal, nor interested in quality work-
great advice- thanks again
Zoe
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Stocker
Sent: October 10, 2010 2:01 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] rates for new techician
Zoe,
I think it is common practice for new techs to charge less, but not smart
practice. You might even get a tuning or two more in the first year if you
do. You will not get enough extra customers to make up for charging less.
I think you want to feel confident you can accomplish a solid tuning before
you sell one. In the most basic sense, that is what you are selling. If it
takes you longer, so be it. Sell quality, charge what you have to charge in
order to deliver it.
David Stocker, RPT
Tumwater, WA
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Zoe Sandell" <yiddishtangofever at shaw.ca>
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 12:16
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] rates for new techician
> Hello
>
> I am wondering if it is general practice for a technician starting out
> (like
> myself) to charge slightly less because I do not have the same years of
> experience.
>
> Ideas?
>
> Thanks
> Zoe
>
>
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