Thank you for the input. Brian -----Original Message----- From: owner-pianotech@ptg.org [mailto:owner-pianotech@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Farrell Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 8:54 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: buying clients/business Three years ago I bought a business from the wife of a local tuner that passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He was semi-retired, and had about 100 3x5 cards in a box. I paid his wife $2,500, and she sent a letter to each customer on his list explaining his sudden death and giving them my name. I followed up to all with my own letter of introduction. I have tuned 52 of those original 100 pianos, plus his wife has referred perhaps 20 or so additional telephone inquires to me. That's how it worked out for me. Your case is different because the guy is still in business. Perhaps a good way to work with him on this and avoid much trouble would be to simply have him refer all new business your way. That way you get new business, and you don't have to tread on his "trusted customers". If he needs to trim his business even more, then he can work some existing clients in in a similar manner. Terry Farrell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Doepke Family" <doepke@fwi.com> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 11:25 PM Subject: buying clients/business > I am looking for some educated input. I hope you can help. > > My piano tuning/technician mentor as offered to sell off some of his > customers when my skills have improved to a point where he feels comfortable > doing so. He is getting older and is starting to think about cutting back > on his work day. He has an enormous client list and has just become a part > owner of a piano store. He is getting burned out and has been working with > me for close to 2 years preparing me to take over abit for him. > > How are clients/customers sold? Is this done on a one-by-one client basis? > > I have expressed some concern that there is much trust and a level of > confidence that he has built with his customers. He has quietly explained > to me that when I am ready he will introduce me to his customers in order to > make a smoother transition. I feel that this is very important for the > future relationship with the customers. > > Any feedback will be very much appreciated. > > > Brian > doepke@fwi.com >
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC