no tunings, no drivel

[Tom Cole]

Dirk Lindeboom wrote:
> 
> In Holland tuning CONTRACTS are very common: we persuade our clients of the
> necessity* to tune a piano at least two or three times a year, and then have
> them pay in advance for a year.

For myself, that would be too much like "paying for a dead horse", as we
say. You've long since forgotten what you spent the money on (or maybe
you DO, in the case of the horse), but now you have to pay the piper. It
makes more sense for the customer to write the check when the work is
completed. Being paid in arrears is less desirable (but necessary with
certain clientele) and being paid in advance is the worst. I feel
burdened by this sense of obligation.

I don't even like it if a person pays me when I arrive (usually because
they have to leave). During the tuning, I might notice that some extra
work needs to be done. I would feel awkward billing them for service
they didn't ask for. Since they aren't there for me to explain what
needs to be done, get the agreement and then be paid for that extra
labor, the work either doesn't get done or I do it for free (if I have
the time and inclination). Yeah, sometimes that free stuff can make you
a hero ("Wow, that's the best my piano has ever sounded!"). Other times
I just feel manipulated (especially when the check was made out for last
years prices).

I suppose one could get a sense of security from having a full calendar
well in advance, but I notice that I haven't missed any meals and live a
comfortable life style. If I have an open spot, as I do at the moment,
it's a chance to do something different, a break in the routine, a
chance to catch up on one's life. A time to refresh - there are other
things besides pianos.

I do have customers who like to be prodded when a certain interval has
elapsed. I send out postcards at the agreed upon reminder time and
they'll either call or let it slip a year or two. Somehow, the daily
time slots fill in without my having a cast iron grip on things.

Tom Cole