When I suspect a problem, I will usually call the day or night before and in the conversation mention (jokingly) that if they are not home or the door is locked, that’s OK because I always carry a brick. Somehow, that helps them remember :) Chuck Vetter From: Delwin D Fandrich Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 2:17 AM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] priorities That’s basically what I do; leave a bill. I don’t always get paid either and I make no particular effort to collect. No small claims courts or anything like that. But I’ve left an invoice and a statement; the statement being that my time has value and if we are to have a working relationship in the future they need to recognize that. If they pay the invoice and we reschedule an appointment they generally become steady customers. If they don’t pay the invoice I don’t have to fuss with them in the future. I have had a few folks call me and try to make subsequent appointments without paying for the missed call and I decline as respectfully as possible. I’m much happier working with folks who want what I am able to supply enough to be willing to pay for and treat my time with at least a modicum of consideration. ddf Delwin D Fandrich Piano Design & Fabrication 6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA Phone 360.515.0119 — Cell 360.388.6525 del at fandrichpiano.com — ddfandrich at gmail.com From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul Williams Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 12:37 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] priorities Sadly..on a new customer, when this has happened (not very often), and left a bill, they just blow it off! I don't think their is a legal way to get a "no show" bill to happen in your favor. Wim, you know the Washington state area a bit…Once I drove all the way to Bellingham from south Whidbey Island for a new customer who was a referral from a prominent recording artist who I did a lot of work for.(2 hour drive one way) I showed up for the new appointment; nobody home. I had no other appointments up there except something 3 hours later. With nothing else to do after a long drive, I waited and waited about an hour. Then, disgusted, I left a bill and phone message for the whole first visit charge. Still weeks later, nothing. My usual guy was apologetic, but of course, he offered nothing for the others' inconsideration. I never did hear from this person, nor did I ever receive payment. Very rich neighborhood and a well kept house. I saw the nice grand in the livingroom too. Still nothing. Some people are just jerks and we need to move on! On the other hand, maybe they died. Who was that lady in the news about a couple years ago who said, "only little people pay taxes". I figured this new person was like that and just wrote it off. I got better after that on calling the day before (especially involving a long distance drive). That seemed to work better. There will always be jerks. Paul From: Delwin D Fandrich <del at fandrichpiano.com> Reply-To: <pianotech at ptg.org> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2012 10:13:16 -0700 To: <pianotech at ptg.org> Subject: Re: [pianotech] priorities Yes, we do. My rule is 24 hours’ notice but I’ll (usually) accept the night before. And your time was wasted unless you had planned on having a completely nonproductive day in your shop. ddf Delwin D Fandrich Piano Design & Fabrication 6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA Phone 360.515.0119 — Cell 360.388.6525 mailto:del at fandrichpiano.com— ddfandrich at gmail.com From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of tnrwim at aol.com Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2012 6:11 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] priorities We have a different opinion and solution to this problem. Ok. But now the next question. Instead of being stood up at the door, what if she calls (pick one), an hour, two hours, the night before, a day before, any time, which doesn't allow you enough time to schedule someone else in that time slot, do you still charge her for lost income and a no show? I realize travel time is worth something, and since I was staying home to work in the shop anyway, the time was not wasted. But what if its the first appointment of the day, and you've got several others to do? Wasted time is wasted time. Wim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20120410/01aa7094/attachment.htm>
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