A Business Dilemma

[Farrell]

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I also usually discuss my impressions of the piano during the inspection =
with the seller present. But what I tend to do is be sure to state =
clearly any deficiencies I find with both parties present. While the =
seller is present I tend to not say much about the positive aspects of =
the piano. And I do not discuss my views of price with the seller within =
earshot.

I will discuss positive aspects of the piano and my opinions of price =
issues with the buyer in private. That way, the seller hears all the =
negative issues about the piano - I can point them out - "see that wood =
separation at the base of the bridge over there - that's what is causing =
the buzz" or "hear the prominent lack of volume in the 5th - 6th octave =
area compared to the rest of the piano"? Sometimes these things need to =
be pointed out otherwise the buyer (if they still want to buy the piano) =
may well have a hard time communicating with the seller why they are =
offering a lower price.

Sometimes I have nothing but praise for a piano. I certainly don't want =
to be dancing around the piano in front of the seller saying that this =
is the nicest piano I have ever seen and I think it is worth more than =
what you are asking. Rather I will inspect the piano with a straight =
face. Maybe say at the most that it appears to be in pretty good shape. =
But in private with the buyer, tell them that the piano is fabulous and =
the price is below market value.

Terry Farrell =20
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Clyde Hollinger=20
  To: pianotech@ptg.org=20
  Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 9:38 PM
  Subject: Re: A Business Dilemma


  Newton and everyone,=20
  On occasion I am called upon to evaluate a privately owned piano for a =
potential buyer.  I do not like trying to wheedle out of giving the =
seller information, so I usually let them know when I arrive that since =
the potential buyer is the one paying me, s/he is the one who should get =
the information first.  If they wish to share it with the seller, that's =
up to them.=20

  Still, once in a while I will talk to the seller about the condition =
of the piano if it does not put the buyer at a disadvantage.  You know, =
some people think their piano is worth $1000 even if it's a 30-year-old =
spinet that hasn't seen a technician in about that many years and is =
150c flat, screw rattles, rusty strings, etc.  Even though they may not =
be happy about what I have to say, they have an idea why I suggested the =
buyer not buy, and can decide to either lower their price, get the piano =
brought up to par, or rip off some other trusting soul.  Seems ethically =
OK to me.  Agree or disagree?=20

  Regards, Clyde=20

  Newton Hunt wrote:=20

    It is my policy not to tell the seller anything about any piano I=20
    inspect for a buyer who has hired me for my opinion(s).  If asked by =
the=20
    seller what I think I gently say, "Since I am being hired by the =
buyer=20
    it is unethical for me to tell you of my observations."

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