[pianotech] estimated fees

[Paul Williams]

And...don't sound too "smart" when you call!  They'll catch on that you
might be shopping.  I'd ask a friend if I were going to do that.  When I
started 21 years ago, my mentor told me on the side what he charged.  I
knew I had to charge far less than that.  I gave stores great prices and
as my customer base increased, raised prices both to customers as well as
the stores.  Pretty soon, only the stores quit using me and grabbed some
"new meat"!  Go with something like that.

Paul


On 3/31/12 3:06 PM, "Paul McCloud" <pmc033 at earthlink.net> wrote:

>I won't give specifics, but I have a question first.  Is this going to be
>paid by the customer, or the store where they bought it from?  I usually
>give a store a courtesy discount on my rate, but it's up to you.
>
>To get a feel for prices, just pretend you're a customer and call a few
>techs.  Look in Craigslist.  That's where most of the newbie techs
>advertise, and have the lowest prices.  Then call the RPT's in the phone
>book, and ask them anonymously.  Or have a neighbor or friend do it for
>you.  You'll get a feel for the local rates.
>
>You need to find your hourly rate, based upon your lifestyle, expenses,
>etc.  Figure how much you need per month, and then find an hourly rate
>that will get you what you need.  If you're only part time, divide by an
>appropriate number of hours in a month.  Figure an hour and a half for
>tuning, and that's your price for tuning.  Guestimate the time for
>touchup regulation, multiply it by your hourly rate, and now you have the
>total price.  
>
>If you're working for a store, you can discount your rate as a business
>courtesy if you like, and hopefully you can end up with a new client in
>your database.
>
>Hope that helps.
>Paul McCloud
>San Diego
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Heritage Pianos" <excelpianos at telus.net>
>To: pianotech at ptg.org
>Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2012 11:15:17 AM
>Subject: [pianotech] estimated fees
>
>
>Hi there: 
>
>
>Wondering if we could get estimate for average PTG charges
>involving one tuning and touch up regulation in customer's home after
>piano being delivered.
>
>
>This concerning a new grand delivered to customer in fully prepped
>condition before. 
>
>
>We have for many years given this type after service to PTG members
>appreciating 
>what a fair fee for this type work would be suggested or considered.
>
>
>Thank you very much
>
>
>Norbert Marten 
>Heritage Pianos Ltd
>