[pianotech] Raising rates in recession

[David Love]

There's no simple answer.  I wouldn't not raise your rates because we're in
a recession but neither would I arbitrarily raise rates because it's been
two years.  You have to decide based on your analysis of the current market,
prospects for the future and your satisfaction with your current rate.  My
own approach over time has been to simplify things.  Create a basic rate
that covers tuning plus other minor repairs including pitch corrections.
Only if the piano has problems that extend beyond my basic service call time
allotment (1 hour 15 minutes) do I charge extra.  In that time I perform
whatever tasks I can depending on the condition of the piano.  In that
amount of time I can do a pitch correction plus tuning, or a non pitch
corrected tuning plus a few minor things.  If the piano needs more work I'll
extend the appointment to 1.5 hours and charge a bit extra based on my
normally hourly but clear it with the customer first.  If it needs more than
that I schedule another appointment (which also keeps me on schedule for the
next appointment).  I find that customers appreciate knowing what they will
pay up front rather than being hit with an additional this for pitch
correction, another few bucks to vacuum out the piano, another couple
dollars to wipe off the keys or lube the pedals.  However YMMV.

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Wally Scherer
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 6:18 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