-----Original Message----- From: tunerboy3 To: Marshall Sent: 2012-12-19 15:02:18 +0000 Subject: Re: [pianotech] groupon I know of a person here who runs a massage place. He started the Groupon deal about 2 years ago. He was all excited about it until he found out that Groupon takes 50 % of whatever he charges, plus part of the profits from what I understood about it. So, it takes him roughly 4 massages just to make one normal priced $60 massage. Plus, he has to pay his girls to do the massages. Yes, did become busier than he could handle but, as soon as the Groupon deal ends, so does his work. His massage girls stand around doing nothing much of the time. Basically, what is happening is that now, people waiting for the "next Groupon deal before returning. He gets VERY VERY few return clients and says, all in all after doing it for two years, he regrets doing it at all now, because he has taught his clients not to look for quality and professionalism but instead, to look and to wait for the deals. Jerry Groot RPT www.grootpiano.com ----- Original Message ----- From: pianotune05 at hotmail.com To: pianotech at ptg.org Sent:Wed Dec 19 04:38:50 UTC 2012 Subject: [pianotech] groupon Hi Dean, I'm sure the repeat rate will be lower. We all know there are those out there who just want a good deal, but from what people are telling my wife when she calls to set appointments, many people are glad they found me because they wanted a piano tech were unsure where to look. The customer with the really horrible Whitney spinet this past Saturday said she contacted 4 piano techs. After receiving zero return calls, she tried this groupon when it came along. So I agree there will be those who will repeat once a year or more but I'm certain this will be a boost to pick up business. I'm a realistic person and know that I'll have to do another campaign eventually perhaps, but I might need a little break after this blows over. the first two days, I received 53 calls. lol I figure other techs out there you guys for example are busy, why shouldn't I be busy? I have two small kids, one going to Christian school. My youngest will start next year. I have other obligations. So I think groupon is a Godsend for sure. I have done quite a few pitch raises as well and have some repairs coming up that I need to schedule once I get the time to do it. lol I know I have an elbow job coming up and two jack spring jobs. I also have a broken sticker on a Acrosonic first b flat. That one will be a challenge, but fortunately, they're going to wiat that one out for a while. The only downside to this is that it slows me down because I'm getting all of the pianos that need attention. So on some days I can only do 2 instead of 3 pianos, plus traveling in my area takes longer. I never know what I might run into when I visit a piano. So everything everyone posts about this is very helpful. I've also freferred some rebulding work as well. So all in all, I'd say groupon is a good thing, but one must remain realistic and realize that not everyone will repeat. However, again, I'm finding that many are without a piano tech, either because the tech died, moved, or never called them again. I have also found some who have a tech. and I encourage them to stay with them if it is someone I know nad trust. I'm out to build a busines. I don't want to hurt an yother techs. Hopefully it will slow down a little so I can breathe. lol Some days I have 15 messages on my phone. I'v eonly had one no show so far, but tha twas my fault. Now I require a return call to verbaly confirm the appointment if I call and get a voicemail. Only two flaked this week due to no confirming, but groupon already paid me for these. So unless they cancel, I'm OK. I am going to call them in a day or so to see what happened. anwyay enough rambling I guess. Have a great night everyone, and if anyone out there is new to the business, try groupon and see if it's available in your area. Marshall 215-510-9400 http://www.phillytuner.com
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