Prices for rebuilding work

[Clyde Hollinger]

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Brian,
As you know I am not a rebuilder, but I have two thoughts that might be
helpful.  First, have you seen the "G" Piano Works Repair Labor Guide?
It is helpful in figuring out how long procedures take, which would be
helpful in coming up with prices for your services.  I have an extra
copy I could sell you if interested.  They are available from Randy
Potter, I think.

Second, if you are doing some work for a dealer, you may need to come up
with a wholesale price for the dealer (and possibly other piano
technicians) and a retail price for jobs you sell directly to the
client.  I'm sure some rebuilders on the list will be able to give more
helpful input.

Clyde Hollinger

Brian Trout wrote:

> At the risk of someone yelling fire in our theater, I'd like to ask
> for some input. I know that it can be construed as price fixing if we
> all get together and agree as to a particular price we should all
> charge for a particular product or service.  That ain't where I'm
> coming from. I need some perspective of what other people are charging
> for rebuilding work.  A large piano store in my area has made mention
> of much rebuilding work that they could 'send my way', only they have
> requested a 'price list' of sorts.  I've got some ideas for much of
> it, but having been an employee for so long, and not having access to
> the 'bottom lines', I'm a little in the dark as to what others might
> be charging. On the one hand, I don't want to be too cheap.  If a
> complete bellying for a 6' grand might be considered reasonable at
> $4,500, I don't want to be busting my hump trying to do these jobs for
> $2,500, just so I'll be the cheapest guy in town.  On the other hand,
> I haven't yet established a reputation that would allow me to charge
> $6,500 for the same job and expect to get it because I can demonstrate
> that I'm worth it. I've had many discussions with this particular
> dealer, and although we're on a friendly basis, I can be sure he won't
> be the first to start throwing out numbers. (Isn't there an old saying
> about the first guy that throws out a number loses?) I have indicated
> on a number of things that I most likely won't be the cheapest guy
> around, but rather he'll have a product that'll be of very high
> quality, the kind worthy of a premium price.  Now, how do I determine
> just what that price is... that's the six million dollar
> question... Of my local guild chapter, there's only two other people
> who are doing serious rebuilding work, neither of which particularly
> wish to talk about prices. So basically, I'm left with a situation
> where I'd like to find some input, but don't particularly know where
> or how. Any figures, thoughts, ideas, or other remarks you'd like to
> send my way?  I'd be open to any and all of them.  If you think it's
> too hot a topic for the list, feel free to e-mail me privately. Not
> wanting to stir up trouble.  Just looking for input. I hope you'll all
> have a nice weekend. Thanks, Brian TroutQuarryville,
> PAbtrout@desupernet.net

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