Huzzah! was Re: Ethics question

[Alan Barnard]

This is so brilliant I durn near went snow-blind reading it. Your policy
has just become MY policy. Thank you.

Alan Barnard
Salem, Missouri


> [Original Message]
> From: Brad Smith, RPT <staff at smithpiano.com>
> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 05/04/2006 6:23:49 PM
> Subject: Re: Ethics question
>
> I have had an epiphany about this type of thing.
> Recently, I bought a new property, and paid almost $1200 in various
> inspection fees.
> NONE of these professionals provided 'market value' opinions on anything.
> They only reported on the technical or physical condition of things.
> SO....now when I do a Piano Technical Inspection, I only report on
> 'what' I find technically, providing upgrade options and pricing for
> those options.
> I also, am quick to encourage someone to NOT spend big bucks fixing up
> a piano beyond its likely worth, unless sentimental value trumps all
> logic.
>
> I've been burned by dealers who refute my valuations of pianos, as
> customers attempt to use my opinion to get a better trade-in value.
> NO MORE!!
> Since I don't sell pianos every day, I can not claim to really know
> market value, like a piano salesperson would.   So, I provide the
> report, and then refer them to a dealer to get an opinion of value. I
> get paid the same, but have relieved myself of the burden of knowing 3
> different market values, etc.  and the catch 22 of it all.
>
> I still do have an opinion of value, but I now only take
> responsibility for providing accurate technical information. Guess
> what?  People have no problem with this at all.