piano tuning- fickle church accounts

[Dean May]

My brother is in the carpet cleaning business and he got some very good
advice years ago: "it's really crowded at the bottom." Back when he was
playing the cut-throat pricing game he was struggling for business and not
making any money. Now he is near the top in pricing structure, has lots of
business, and is profitable. 
 

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272

Terre Haute IN  47802

 

 

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From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Kallie Swanepoel
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 4:04 PM
To: 'Pianotech List'
Subject: RE: piano tuning- fickle church accounts


Hi Avery and all
 
This was the best opinion on this subject to my knowledge so far.
 
It seems to be all about cost.  This is unfortunately the best way too loose
existing clients, churches or not.
 
However, I'll never use the "cut throat" strategy myself, but for some
reason some of the piano technicians in our city believe that they might get
much more work if they can do the work as cheap as possible. Although I'm
not the cheapest in town, I still have enough work to feed my family.
 
Kallie Swanepoel
 
Piano Tuner/Klavierstemmer
 
Skype Name:
KallieSwanepoel

Phone: +27 (0) 12 379 3762
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 261 6942
Voice Link: +27 (0) 88 129 8775
Fax: +27 (0) 86 633 2999

http://www.kallieswanepoel.co.za <http://www.kallieswanepoel.co.za/> 
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Avery
Sent: 01 November 2006 21:58
To: Pianotech List
Subject: RE: piano tuning- fickle church accounts


Dean, etc. 

In my experience, it's usually because someone contacted them who's cheaper
than you are. It normally doesn't have much to do with the quality of your
work! :-( Thankfully, the few churches I do work for are faithful to me! Not
to the price! 

Avery 

At 07:20 AM 11/1/2006, you wrote:


I just lost a long time church account, no reason given. It is pretty
frustrating as I have supplied concert pianos to them at no cost in years
past for special events. The last time I was out their dampchaser was
unplugged. I plugged it in, reminded them how important it was to keep it
plugged in and came back in two weeks. It was unplugged again. I helped them
get set up with an extension cord to plug it in further away. Now I'm out
$170+ for two missed appointments. Next time I call the secretary tells me
the board has decided to use someone else. Sigh. Twice I've nearly stopped
by the church to press them for a reason, but I've decided to take the high
road.
 
Whenever the pianist changes, music director or pastor, we are in danger of
losing the account. Loyalty isn't real high. That's why it is important to
send regular reminders to the office to let them know you are out there. 
 
Dean
 

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From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [ mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org
<mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org> ] On Behalf Of Leslie Bartlett
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:24 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: FW: piano tuning
 
Years ago, a newbie, I tuned for this large church.  About three years in
they replaced me without telling me.  That has been a few.  So I wrote their
organist and asked him if he could recall why they replaced me. The reply
left me somewhat amused.  Thought I would share it FWIW.
les bartlett
 

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From: Scott / FoundryChurch] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 9:58 AM
To: l-bartlett at sbcglobal.net
Cc: Joleen
Subject: piano tuning
Hi Les,
 
To be honest, I cannot remember much about why we changed tuners. We have
actually had several tuners over the years.
 
I wish the best of luck to you in your continued endeavors.
 
SCOTT
 

 

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