referall fees..slight detour

[Eugenia Carter]

Phil,

I have been subcontracting for years; it is a wonderful and profitable part
of my business. The trust between the techs with whom I subcontract and me
is impeccable. I've been lucky; it has never been breached as unfortunately
happened with Jim. For all of my subcontracts I pay a percentage of the
gross. I determine the gross amount; my subcontractor knows exactly what
that gross amount is and what the terms are.

If I were you, I would consider the situation with your friend who is dying
to be an indirect form of subcontracting, even though no formal agreement
has even been broached between the two of you. To me, you feel some kind of
obligation or you wouldn't have brought it up.

What I would do in this kind of situation would be to pay him a percentage
of my gross. I would determine that percentage based on how much I could
afford for it to be for me to consider it profitable for myself after paying
him. I would also factor in that indescribable thing called sentimental
value. You know, that thing we tell our clients that we can't make that
call; they will have to determine that.

Good luck,

Gina


----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Bondi" <tito@PhilBondi.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: referall fees..slight detour


> ..a nice and informative discussion about subbing our work..I would like
to
> switch gears for a moment..somewhat related.
>
> There is a tech in this area who is dying, and he is referring all his
work
> to me..I am also getting another tech's work right now, as she is phasing
> out most of her business..I took the lady to lunch, and she was very
> appreciative..but..I would like to at least acknowledge to the tech who is
> dying that I do appreciate the referrals..but..how would one approach this
> in a dignified manner?
>
> at a loss for words, and that's not like me,
> roo(k)
>