Stop!! "Private" Sale Ahead!!

[Bill Peterson]

----- Original Message -----
From: robert goodale <rrg@nevada.edu>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 9:15 AM
Subject: Re: Stop!! "Private" Sale Ahead!!


> Well... <scratching head>, Hmmmm.   I have seen this before by a dealer
who would take pianos home from the store and then sell them there to make
it appear that it was a private sale.  Of course the next week it was a
different piano.  I certainly wouldn't want to be labeled a "tattle tell"
but I'm sure the city wouldn't be pleased to know that there was a retail
operation going on in a residential zone and without a license.  An
anonymous
> tip to the BBB and/or the chamber of commerce may result in the city being
notified.  Many newspapers used to refuse to place adds if they knew there
was something like this going on.  It might be worth a phone call but in
today's world of obscene law suites and personal classifieds, (i.e. "GWM
looking for same"), most newspapers seem to care less about what they print
anymore.
>
> A more subtle approach could involve your entire chapter.  Compose a
professional letter explaining that they have been "caught", and express
your displeasure with their ethics.  Inform them that you will make it a
point to warn customers and anyone else that comes along.  Then have all
members of your chapter sign it and then send it via registered mail.
Lastly, advise all of the purchasers that you can about what has happened.
They may
> be interested in launching their own complaints.
>
> Rob Goodale, RPT
>
>
>
> <snip>
>
> > But what has come to a head recently on the home front is an out-of-town
classified advertisement in the local paper for a grand piano at $2,450.
> >
> > But the advert continues. This time it's a Schomacker grand "in
excellent conditon". The same price, the same address, the same story. "My
daughter's at university and has room only for an upright so she wants to
sell this one". Next week it will be another and I am gathering evidence of
many in the past.
> >
> > In that the Knabe was delivered by "the son" for a slightly additional
charge (he brought the legs in from another piano on the truck), I suspect
this "private" operation is not by a piano technician, but a terrible
furniture dealer/refinisher or mover (no pros). The older couple residing in
the home and who receive the calls appear to be all too innocent and above
suspicion. But they are emphatic in wanting "cash" and a quick decision.
>
> <snip>
>
> > Now, straight to the point. What can I do to stop this practice? Write a
letter to the editor? Take out an advertisement in The Beaver? Go back into
retail? Call the authorities (whoever they may be)?
>
Welcome to the Real World.  The truth is that the piano biz  is far dirtier
than the used car biz.  I say dirtier because they play with a persons
emotions and dreams as well as their pocket book.
If you take this personally the repercussions can be extremely harmful.  You
are out there alone when it comes to making accusations.  Remember that
there are many technicians and wanta be techs  out there that are dependent
on these type of dealers, and will testify against you yes some of them are
PTG members.   If you mess with these jokers you had better be prepared to
defend yourself against legal action, as you will be made to be the
criminal, and criminal attorneys are expensive.    The DA is not interested
in minor or major fraud unless it is a politically correct time to take
action.  You will find that nobody has the time go get involved on your
behalf.

I suggest that you keep your standards high and wear blinders.  If you spend
your time worrying about your own business you will be much happier.  The
best thing you can do is a little charity work for the old lady or poor
student that got worked over by one of these dealers.  Remember every one of
these pianos no matter how they sell it needs to be worked on and tuned.  Do
what you do best, tune pianos.

I do not know of an industry that does not have questionable home
sales--cars, boats, furniture, jewelry,rugs,piano and organs etc.  Keep
smiling all the way to the bank.

Bill Peterson--Associate South Bay Chapter