Ethics question

[Ken Knapp]

Brad,

I agree. You are an expert in the mechanics of a piano and as such are 
qualified for evaluating the condition, determining what it would need to 
put it in acceptable condition, and what it would cost to do so. They 
customer should be able to take this information and apply it to how much 
money they want to invest in a piano.

Ken
www.geocities.com/skykingagi


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brad Smith, RPT" <staff at smithpiano.com>
To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 7:21 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.
>
>
>