In a message dated 12/29/99 3:32:06 PM Pacific Standard Time, Mjacobucci@cs.com writes: << Related question as to pitch raising and what to tell the customer about pricing. When I come upon a neglected instrument (several years since being tuned) I always attempt to warn the customer before hand (in fact mostly during the intial phone call) that it may need several tunings in order to remain at pitch and in tune. One tuner in my area doesn't charge any more for additional visits (I think he was burned too many times in the past) but I don't think this is reasonable since it is the same amount of effort for the repeat visits (why should the technican pay for other's neglect?). However, I usually come down in price a token amount for each repeat visit (and I tell the customer ASAP usually during the phone call). It usually doesn't even matter to them and they have been just paying full price anyway. Explaining the necessity sometimes sounds a little squirrelly though. What is the most honorable way to handle this? >> I usually explain it this way; if you ever change a tire on your car you tighten the lug nuts, then go through and tighten them again, because the first lug nuts will loosen up. By raising the pitch you need to re-tune because the piano will drop as soon as you finish the pitch raise. The more you raise the pitch, the more it will drop. That is the law of physics. The customer hired you to do the best tuning you can, and be at A 440 when you finish the job. When the phone rings, and I am asked what my tuning rate is, I tell them then ask how long it has been since it has been serviced. If has been say 5, 10, 15, 20, I explain the pitch raise, then advise them to expect an extra charge if necessary. Most of time, I get the job. Of course, if they are price shopping and want the cheap rate, they won't get me, but that is a different story. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City. OR
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