[CAUT] It was a funny first

[stranges at oswego.edu]

Thanx everyone for your posts about this.
Overall I'm just dumbfounded about the whole RUDENESS of it all.
I mean hey... who doesn't like to tune in complete silence?
That aspect was fantastic and the house was cool but I was honestly
slightly uncomfortable..youknowwhatimean??

If she had just *told* her family I'd be coming over none of this would
have happened...

And the spouse who did come home was just as surprised to see me as I was
to have found out that he didn't know I was going to be there that night.
He asked me a slew of questions of which I had very quick and correct
answers to so I think I had him much more at ease for sure when I left.
But I certainly didn't like bringing up that I just did two hours worth of
work and hadn't been paid.
I'm actually glad I did bring it up, for it was sort of "sticking up for
myself".

In all honesty, I REALLY hope he gave her some heck when he saw her later
that night... and another thing... I tend to write thank-you notes to
folks after a few days, for having had the opportuninty to work on their
instrument.
I have these sick fantasies of writing them one mentioning how I've never
been treated so poorly, etc..
:)

I will *not* do that, but its fun to think about.

I like the trust that people have in me and in this profession.
I am truly OK when the customer greets me at the door, stays for a bit and
then steps out for groceries, drop children off, etc... Heck it was a
constant in NYC when I lived there and tuned in those small apartments..

A little better communication (and respect for all involved!) on her part
would have avoided all of this.

Cheers-
:)
Michelle












>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: James Ellis <claviers at nxs.net>
>> I have heard lots of stories like the one Michelle told, and a variety
>> of
>> others as well.  For my part, I will NOT do a "first" tuning for anyone
>> unless the adult person who calls me is going to be there when I arrive,
>> when I leave, and perferably for the whole time.  If they can't, or
>> won't,
>> I don't.  I'm very cautious with "first timers".  There's just too much
>> funny stuff going on these days, and there are some people who are
>> looking
>> for any excuse they can find to sue.  After I get to know the people and
>> their pianos, and they get to know me, it's an entirely different
>> matter.
>> I have a few customers for going on to 40 years now, and we have
>> complete
>> trust both ways.
>>
>> Jim Ellis
>>
>
> Agreed, but under the circumstances, Michelle, I would have quickly done
> the tunings and just left when I was done leaving a bill, followed up by
> mailing a bill.  That would have avoided all the unpleasantness with the
> encounter.   There's no reason to hang around waiting to be paid.    The
> spouse had no business intimidating you like that.  I hope you kept your
> cool and asked him to call his wife, then say Excuse me sir, I need to
> leave or I'll have to bill for the extra time as I have other appointments
> (even if the appointment is with yourself to get out of there!)
>
> Anytime you MUST stay extra time for some reason,  you need to bill for
> the extra time.  That teaches them very quickly.  An appointment is an
> appointment and you have other fish to fry which will pay for your time.
> The exception is the clients who become friends and make you fresh coffee
> or lunch and have a friendly chat.  That is a bonus!
>
> Be strong.
>
> Anne
>
>