regarding ethics

[Clyde Hollinger]

Tom Dickson wrote:
> 
> Hello all!
> 
>     In the recent issue of the PTG Magazine I believe it was Steve Brady
> who talked about the knight in shining armor who rides in to replace a
> former piano tuner ( sorry about the partial metaphor)..
> 
>     Another article discussed doing the best one can for the client at
> hand - considering ability to pay, required quality of instrument
> function, etc.
> 
>     I find myself in a bit of a quandary.  Perhaps members of this list
> could give their thoughts to the following.
> 
>     As the "new guy" in town, I take on almost anything that comes my
> way.  Consequently, I am not doing work on quality concert grands, etc.
> I am using my talents to garner the best from the client's piano.  To
> me, that is my duty - I feel that what they have is the best they have
> got, and should get my best, too.  That's me.
> 
>     Recently, a number of new clients have given me horror stories
> regarding the last person who worked on their piano.  Most often, it is
> a local person who has a high profile.  The things people recall
> include:  excessive prices, the belittling of their piano, and the
> cutting down of other piano teachers in the area because of their tuning
> frequency or piano quality.
> 
>     I do not wish to make any major enemies in the market as I believe
> there is plenty of various kinds of tuning to satisfy both of us.
> However, I am very uncomfortable in this discussion with the client, and
> I try my best to emphasize the other tuner's qualifications.
> 
>     As a teacher for over 25 years, I am very familiar with and
> supportive of our code of ethics.  As piano tuners, where do you stand,
> and where do you draw a line.  I would be very interested in the
> discussion.
> 
> Tom Dickson,
> 
> Canada
> 
> PS - Despite the camaraderie that is constantly mentioned in the
> Journal, I have yet to hear from this RPT - although I have personally
> spoken to him.

Tom:

Two responses come to mind.  One is to say "oh that's too bad" or
something to that effect.  Another would be to turn the conversation to
yourself:  "Well, I believe you will be very pleased with my work, but
if you are ever dissatisfied, would you please let me know?  Because I
really want you to be satisfied."  I would not add my own positive input
or negative input ("Oh yes, I hear a lot of complaints about....").  

In any case don't do any of the "discussing" yourself.  As has been
often said, we are not responsible for what the other person says, but
we are responsible for how we respond.

Clyde Hollinger