"Visiting" Tuners

[Roy Ulrich]

Ya, I've got one of those as well, except he lives in the area. Promoted in
the newspaper as an associate of an arogant piano teacher who claims to have
his Doctorate in piano but actually does not. No mileage, tuning $39.95, 20
years experience, but sold airline tickets to feed his family. Your sane
customers know the difference and as much as this will be really annoying,
the end result will be sucessful if you hold your ground. I, for one, don't
want a reputation as being the "lowest bidder". It's customer satisfaction
that makes them tell their friends - and I think we all know that MOST
people don't pick a piano tuner out of the yellow pages or a newspaper ad.
I have no doubt that there's a chance you'll have to go behind this clown
and fix the misteaks - and your customer's loyalty will be carved in cement
as long as you indicate your understanding of their attempt to save a few
bucks - as we all do from time to time. Turn him in? Agh, might come around
and bite you in the back side as being a poor sport, as legitimate as it
would be. Besides - you don't want customers who are looking for the lowest
bidder anyway- that's another story....

Roy Ulrich

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Lindquist" <ronli@newnorth.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2000 9:45 AM
Subject: "Visiting" Tuners


> List:       Need  guidance on how to deal with rude business people.
>
> Saw this ad in the local Shopper today.
>
> PIANO TUNING by appointment only.  Tuning exclusively by ear.  $45.00.
Mr.
> Lentini will again be in the North woods area for a short period of time.
> Please call 715-282-5961 for more information.
>
> I did and found out he will be here for 2-3 weeks---depending on the
amount
> of work,  He is from New Jersey. and will be staying  here."
>
> I have to pay Wisconsin Sales tax  "5.5%.   A business permit, a business
> phone, etc.
>
> There are a number of these people each year coming for a "Vacation" from
> another state that I have to deal with.
>
> How would you PROFESSIONALS"  handle this. I'm thinking about turning him
> in to the State tax people.
>
>
>
> R&R Piano Service
> 6039 River Road
> Eagle River, Wi  54521
> 715 479-7051
> e-mail   ronli@newnorth.net
>