[pianotech] Raising rates in recession

[Poppy Miles]

That is definately a good formula if it works for you. I may adopt it. My mortage/rent/ insurance goes up why shouldn't I up my rate. When I first moved to the area I live in now I charged a slightly low rate, after a few years I realized ( my customers told me I was charging too little for the work recieved), that I was short changing myself. My rates went up $30, and no one complained- actually they sometimes tip which is funny because I'm not working for anyone aside from myself. Some people do care about their pianos enough to pay for services rendered. I guess we have to be careful about the anti trust laws etc. I personally charge enough so I can afford health insurance to at least protect myself from the wear and tear this profession exacts upon my body, and enough so I don't have to work until I'm 85. Delay all you want.


----- Original Message ----
From: Dean May <deanmay at pianorebuilders.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Sun, June 27, 2010 7:40:29 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Raising rates in recession

I raise my rates at the beginning of every year. Usually it is around 3%. I
used to let it go every 3 or 4 years, but then the increase needed to be
pretty high to catch up, and it was hard to explain. This way, most
customers think a 3% increase for inflation is pretty reasonable. 

If you delay it will quickly get away from you and you get too far behind.
Then when you have to raise more than $5 or $10 people don't understand. 

Dean

Dean W May                (812) 235-5272

PianoRebuilders.com    (888) DEAN-MAY

Terre Haute IN 47802


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Wally Scherer
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 9:18 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Raising rates in recession

I usually raise my rates a bit every two years to keep up with the cost of
living. But since we are in a recession, is this wise to do now?

Wally Scherer

A FINE TUNE - Piano Tuning & Repairs
Wallace T. Scherer, piano technician, music educator
5020 Canal Drive, Lake Worth, Florida, 33463-8014
Telephone: 561-432-4121
Web page: http://aftune.angelfire.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-FINE-TUNE-PIANO-TUNING-REPAIRS/1298450103661
85
------------------------------------------------
FREE TICKETS: http://aftune.angelfire.com/freetics.html