[pianotech] Saturdays

[paul bruesch]

I'm quite new in the business. I often am asked if I work evenings or on
Saturdays. I tell them that "I really prefer not to, for the same reason as
you want me to." They *always* get it, and we *always* work it out... either
they take some time off, or a family member or neighbor lets me in. Very
often, they ask if I need them to be around, then leave me alone in the
house.

That said, I have considered establishing Saturday and/or evening rates. I
think, since it would be a one-tuning trip, plus it's essentially
"Overtime", that it should be at least "time and a half", or in other words,
a 50% shift premium.

Paul Bruesch
Stillwater, MN

On Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 4:06 PM, Bruce Dornfeld <bdornfeld at earthlink.net>wrote:

>  When I was young, new to the business, and single, I worked on Saturdays
> at the same rate as weekdays.  I had many customers who said it was not
> possible to be there during the week.  After getting established, married,
> and two boys, I charge an additional 25% for Saturday appointments.  My boys
> are in grade school and I love to watch them play sports on Saturdays.  Now
> it's basketball, recently soccer, and before that baseball.  (Don't worry,
> they are in band and orchestra too.)  Anyway, the big surprise to me was how
> many clients found a way for me to work during the week when presented with
> a minor increase in fees.  Some still can only do Saturdays and don't mind
> the fee.  Sometimes when I mention that I will miss or be late for my kid's
> game, that motivates my client to find a weekday time more than the fee.  If
> you rationalize the fee to them in terms of "other workers get time and a
> half for Saturdays" it is not accepted as well as family reasons.
>
> Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
>
>
> Bruce Dornfeld, RPT
> bdornfeld at earthlink.net
> North Shore Chapter
>
>
>
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