2 things I've learned

[Phil Bondi]

I have been asked by a respected colleague to state 2 things that I have learned
since I have become a Piano Technician. I thought it was an interesting question,
and it might be good food for thought for my fellow beginners in this field.

I've been full-time in this field for a little over 2 years, so there's alot I
have not seen yet, and of course, there's alot I have seen.

First and foremost - I have learned to sell....hear me out....before I got into
this field, I didn't have the confidence to sell heat to an eskimo..that's a
fact...what I have learned is with a little confidence from experience, I am now
able to confidently talk to my customers about what their pianos must have, or
should have done to them to bring them up to or keep them at a certain level.
This does not mean selling them the farm..quite the contrary..let me offer a
perfect example of this..

Last week I was asked to appraise a piano for the purpose of re-building..his
words, not mine. When I got there, we talked for about 30 minutes about the
history of the piano from his end and what I saw with this instrument. After we
talked and discussed all the options, it was decided that I would take the action
and bring it back to a workable level FIRST. Why? This piano has not been played
for over 20 years and has spent the better part of those 20 years on its side.
There's a ton of sentimental value with this piano, as there is with any piano
that someone wants to 're-build' or 're-condition'. There is now someone to play
and enjoy this instrument that has been dormant for 20 years. They can not enjoy
the instrument if it is not playable, period.

This person was ready to throw thousands at me to do this work - re-string -
re-finish - new everything. What he was neglecting was what that money would
actually buy him. It is my opinion that he would have never known the difference
between what he's going to get from me and what is possibly(probably) down the
road for the instrument. It does need to be re-strung, but it was important to me
that he understand that, without a point of reference, he wouldn't know what he
was buying.

He appreciated that, and tipped me on top of my appraisal fee.


The second thing I have learnd is that if there's 300 people reading this post
right now, then there's at least 3,000 different ways to do one thing in this
field! I've learned quite a bit from this list and from individuals privately who
frequent this list. For the most part, there's a nice comraderie in this field. I
like that.

I am surprised at how quickly my data base has grown. I have my dealership
affiliation to thank for that. I also have to thank my satisfied customers who
have referred me.

This is a good field to be in. My initial reaction to this field when I started
asking questions 3 years ago was not good. I was met by alot of closed doors
locally. I have not forgotten that. Those few, and I do mean few, who left their
door ajar for me will always have my respect, whether they are Guild members or
not. I don't hold a grudge, but certain things you just don't forget.


Phil