[CAUT] It was a funny first

[Shawn Brock]

Michelle,

will you let us know if you get paid for this?  Thanks.
Shawn Brock
Piano Service
513-349-8541
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <stranges at oswego.edu>
To: "College and University Technicians" <caut at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 10:32 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] It was a funny first


> 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
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>>  -------------- 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
>>
>>
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