The Buzzing Phenomenon

Wimblees@aol.com Wimblees@aol.com
Mon, 14 Oct 2002 12:44:51 EDT


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In a message dated 10/14/02 11:28:02 AM Central Daylight Time, 
JPIESIK@arinc.com writes:

> How do I deal with this type of client? Should I be defending myself from
> >the onset with some type of handout or statement about what could happen
> >to a neglected piano after a major service? What's the best way to deal
> >with them on the phone during the callback and once again when in their
> >home? How many of these do you deal with on average in a month/year?
> >Should I just shake the dust and move on? It's clearly a communication
> >problem - isn't it usually? Although, I've also learned you can't please
> >everyone (at least I'm pleasing most).
> >
> >It's a funny thing, really. And, I know you'll understand this: I swear I
> >can tell when this sort of thing is about to happen the moment I set up
> >the initial appt. on the phone and "meet" the prospective client. Call it
> >whatever, I call it PTI (Piano Technician's Intuition). Maybe I should
> >follow my gut at this stage and politely declare, "Sorry, too busy. Not
> >taking on any more new clients." 
> >
> >Quite frankly, this is becoming frustrating. 
> >
> >Warmest Regards,
> >
> >John Piesik, RPT
> 

John

Since this seems to be happening most often with pianos that were neglected, 
anticipate the problem, and charge accordingly. Tell them ahead of time that 
you will need to see the piano again in 2 weeks to do a follow up on the work 
you did, and that this return call will cost them. (Or you can charge them 
for it head of time.) If you are going to charge them at the time of the 
second service, I'll bet you dollar to donuts they will cancel. It's amazing 
how buzzing strings take care of themselves when it will cost money to take 
care of them. 

You could also increase the price of this first time service and build a 
return call into the price of the tuning/pitch raise/whateveryou do, and not 
tell them it includes a follow up call. Then, when they call, you'll feel 
better knowing you've already been compensated, and the customer will think 
they got great service for free.

Wim 

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