A strange and unpleasant experience

[piannaman at aol.com]

List,
 
This might be considered a cautionary tale about what we all put out there on the WWW.
 
I tuned my first piano of the week on Monday.  It was a pretty typical job--Yamaha upright, not tuned for several years.  30 cent pitch raise, but it tuned up nicely.
 
I yak away with the customer, explain a few things, finish up, present bill.  
 
The lady,whose English is not very good, says "I was referred by Joseph, my tenant.  He says I just give paper and tuning free."  
 
I say "WHAT!  What piece of paper is that?  I don't work for free!."
 
She pulls out a piece of paper, which is the "gift certificate" page of my website printed out on a sheet of copy paper.  Below is the text.
 
 
Dear ____________________________ ,
_______________________________ has chosen to help you promote harmony in the universe!  The bearer of this gift certificate is entitled to one piano tuning.  Please call 650-224-3560, or E-mail me at Velopresto at aol.com to arrange the time and date of your service.
 
 
 
I don't see where it says "coupon for free piano tuning."  I can see where there might be some confusion as to the way the gift certificate works, but I don't understand how anyone can be oblivious enough to expect that this entitles them to my services for free.  And I think if I was going to redeem this "coupon" I might first ask the person who would be doing the work if this was indeed a "free" tuning.
 
I got very angy with her, and with the person who suggested that this might be a free tuning, and with the fact that she waited until I had done the work before she presented the "coupon."
 
Needless to say, I've put a disclaimer on the gift certificate on my website.  
 
I told her I'd take some responsibility for the confusion, and that she could send me half my fee.  I anticipate getting nothing from her.  
 
Thanks for letting me vent,
 
Dave
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