Friends, I feel like I am on the verge of this time right now (see statement below). For the first time in nine months I have no waiting list, so I have more than enough work and refer some prospective clients to another technician. At the same time I am finding it more difficult to have the incentive to keep working on old beaters that are too worn to work well but not worth the expense of reconditioning, let alone rebuilding. On the other hand, I remember what it used to be like to run out of money, so I am aware of the plight of young families who would be glad to replace the piano, if they could see a way to fit it into their budget without cutting into something more important. So I keep servicing the piano because the owners want it kept in tune, and of course they pay me to do it. In subtle ways, though, I am working at eliminating a few of these pianos. Rather than trying to call when someone is at home, I leave a message that the tuning is due and it becomes their initiative to get back to me. If they are home and answer the phone, I ask if they want the piano tuned, rather than when to schedule the tuning. That seems like a small difference, but I think it is a significant one. And there are a few where I inform them (tactfully, I hope) that in my opinion the piano is not worth spending any more money on. Regards, Clyde Hollinger, RPT Lititz, PA, USA > Ah yes and wonderful is the time when in your career you can, because of your ability, experience, knowledge and recognition, > afford to chose only the pianos you would like to work on. > David Koelzer
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