Clyde Hollinger wrote: > List: > > Situation: The very nice lady has a blonde oak 1948 spinet piano, and > "it still has the original ivory keytops!" Don't even have to look > hard, they're plastic, alright. How would you respond? > > Or the first-time client says proudly, "We just got this piano > (hunkajunk) for (waytoomuch). What do you think of it?" How do you > handle this kind of thing? > > Clyde Hollinger, RPT > Lititz, PA -------------------------------- About the "ivories." I don't think it is ever appropriate to perpetuate an un-truth. Someone undoubtedly told her the piano had ivory. Also undoubtedly for his or her own gain. However, you can usually find a way to break this truth to her gently. Take a moment to examine the keys, as if you -- the expert in all things ivory, after all -- actually had to study them to be sure yourself, before breaking the news. And then say something like "Well, gosh, Mrs Newowner, I'm not sure about that. If you examine them closely...." It's ok to let her think that they were so good they almost fooled the expert. Ditto the value of the Hunkajunk piano. You can be truthful in a gentle way. Remember that not everyone needs or can afford a Matchless Concert Console. Does the piano meet their needs of the moment? If so, find some way to tell them so. Remember, even if Suzy does get really good, it's probably not going to happen overnight. You should have some time to educate her folks so that next time they make a more educated purchase. After Suzy runs up against the limitations of the Hunkajunk often enough, they'll probably get the idea themselves. Besides, since most Hunkajunk pianos are bought on appearance and faith -- and keeping in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder -- you can usually compliment them on the way the piano looks. Sell your regulating and voicing services later. -- ddf
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