who's responsible???

[Mark Cramer]

Hi Michelle,
Cheryl and I drove through Oswego once back in 1983. A pretty town with a
most impressive school building on the main thoroughfare, as I recall.

I love my clients, and used to go to great detail to explain repairs, etc.
Now, if they are essential to the use of the piano (pitch raise, repair
shank, replace string, etc.) I just do them and list them seperately on the
invoice.

Even five years ago, I would've shuddered at this practice. Unbelieveably, I
receive less challenges (as in "none") to additional charges, then when I
used to rationalize these to my clients.

I'm sure your billing practices are fair, and you could justify extra
charges if ever called to do so. Your clients trust you, so I would be
content to do your best work, charge accordingly and enjoy their confidence
in you.

best regards,
Mark Cramer
Brandon University

BTW, I agree with Newton, bill all expense to the client who requested your
services, listing work seperately so they may "bill back" to the owner, if
they wish. In my experience, some do, some don't.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-caut@ptg.org [mailto:owner-caut@ptg.org]On Behalf Of
Michelle L Stranges
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 11:27 AM
To: caut list
Subject: who's responsible???


Hmmm... I'll give you the sinerio ( spelling???).

THe small town opera company wants to perform at the small towns nicest
hotel.
You are called in to tune.
You go there and the lyre is busted off and on the floor... needing mucho
repairs.

here's another..

ANOTHER small town opera company wants to perform at a private home with a
refurbished piano...BUT you realize you'll have to replace about 16 tuning
pins before you can justifiably charge for a tuning.

You guessed my question..... and if you didn't....
* does the small town opera company pay for the tuning AND the repair..or
just the tuning. ( and then the piano owners pay for the repair.) *

I have yet to send out a bill for this actual problem. I'm calling all pro's
with this matter.

Also- what's the BEST touch up for your average beat-up Steinway stain
finish..
Shoe dye or auto finish touch up paint???


:) michelle up at oswego