price-shoppers!

[Piannaman@aol.com]

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I quote them my 1 1/2 hour service call charge, then explain in detail what 
they get for that.  While I can squeeze a few extras(tightening bolts, 
adjusting pedals, eliminating squeaks) I do NOT include a pitch raise, even if I can 
get it done in that time frame. I always explain everything in black and white 
in the initial conversation, so there is no room for interpretation when the 
bill is presented. 

Gratifying side note:  I've had several customers call me back in recent days 
after they price-shopped for their last tooning, saying that I was worth the 
extra dollars they saved by hiring a tooner!  

Doing conscientious, quality work will always pay off, even if you lose a 
customer or two to cowboys carrying a tuning hammer.

In a message dated 6/16/03 7:42:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
rstrang@pa.inter.net writes:


> I tell my customers right up front what I charge. I have compared what I
> charge to the other tooners in the area and I know I'm right in there with
> them all. I think the customers appreciate a good solid answer.
> 
> Richard
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On
> Behalf Of pianolover 88
> Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 9:19 PM
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: price-shoppers!
> 
> 
> Just wanted to get some feedback on how everyone ELSE handles first-time
> customer calls that begin: "HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?" I've tried many
> different approaches because there is that segment of first time callers
> that are more interested in getting the LOWEST price, rather than the best
> service, or at least that seems to be their number ONE priority. Should I
> just give my price point blank and then shut up and wait for there response?
> Usually, before i tell the customer my fees, I ask them:  "when was your
> piano last tuned", and then get a little more pertinent piano info, THEN
> tell them my prices. But then you get that all too familiar response...: ok
> thanks, I call you back", or: " well, let me talk to my Husband/wife", etc.
> Fortunately, I book a fair percentage of my first time calls, but does
> anyone on the list have a favorite, effective way to handle these calls? I
> know we can't book EVERY call, but that's what I'm striving for! What I
> DON'T want to do is get caught up in a "price war" with other tuners. I know
> there are some tuners out there that will cut their prices to the bone, just
> too appeal to those price hunters, but I hate to have to stoop to "price
> wars" to compete with the few who charge $55 a tuning! I'm striving to
> emphasize Quality, precision, and professional, curteous service, and I know
> my loyal cusomers appreciate this.
> 



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