What would YOU do?

[Carl Root]

First, a short story.

I designed an addition for my house a few years ago. (office/studio for
piano sales by appointment and an extension to the family room.)  I'd
subscribed to Fine Homebuilding magazine and read a number of books on
house design, so I encorporated a few unusual details, but nothing a
reasonably competent crew couldn't handle.

I accepted a bid (not the cheapest) only to find out that as the project
progressed, the contractor was inclined to do things his own way,
regardless of what the plans said.  

"No, fellows, I meant it."  Eventually, I had to leave them a daily
check list indicating the things I wanted done the way I had drawn.

To make a long story short,  we settled out of court with a professional
inspector supporting all of my claims against them.  


Back to the issue.  Lots of first time piano buyers have no idea that a
piano actually needs to be tuned.  You know that stores often don't tell
them about future service.  Now maybe this guy realizes that he's waaaay
overdue and doesn't want to be taken for a ride.

I don't do estimates over the phone, although sometimes I bend and
usually wish I hadn't.  Last week, someone with an inactive Steinway 'M'
wanted it tuned (after five years of neglect) for a party.  I gave her
my basic tuning fee, as I always do, and then suggested it might need a
followup visit.  She was taken aback, but I assured her that this was
not a forgone conclusion.  Turned out it was quite close and a
once-through got the job done.

It may be that a desire to see you work is just a conversation starter
to get you to talk about your credentials and let him get a sense of who
you are.  Make it short and tell him you'd be glad to schedule an
appointment.  If he's put off, tell him he can call you back if he
changes his mind.

This guy doesn't scare me.

Carl