Stop!! "Private" Sale Ahead!!

[Bill Peterson]

----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Peterson <lokman@ix.netcom.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 10:19 AM
Subject: Re: Stop!! "Private" Sale Ahead!!


>
> ----- 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
>