John asked: "I have to replace three wound bichords in a clients piano. I have ordered them and they arrived today. I'm just wondering what the usual markup for individual strings might be if any. While I'm on the subject, I have always felt uneasy about markup on parts never quite knowing how much is the norm. By the time it gets to me with shipping and various taxes, the parts seem rather expensive and I feel guilty about marking it up further. I would apreciate any thoughts on this matter. John, Please consider the time you spent making sure the measurements of the strings was/is correct. Also, the time it took you to order the strings. Also, the cost of your checking/credit card account. Not to mention, you are the "expert" with the expertise of knowing what is needed My usual "markup", for any parts is: Wholesale cost of parts X 2 + cost of shipping. When you consider the value of the piano you are working on, (big ticket item in any household, IMO), parts are relatively cheap! Consider the cost of parts for your car! Yikes! One relay on my German Roller Skate is over $500.00US! Can the car function without it? Yup! Do I really NEED it? Nope. Hence I haven't replaced the darn thing, ....yet! In the case of a piano, the same questions can be asked. Also, do we question the cost of parts for our cars? Sometimes, but not often. In short, your knowledge and skill is what your client is paying for. The parts are really incidental, IMO. Regards, Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20070123/d71f3d1b/attachment.html
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