moral dilemma/ estimate

[David Renaud]

An estimate for a public school teacher.
She's hired me, she works for the school.

Yahama Apt. size piano, not bad, 
needs minor work. Hairline soundboard
crack, not open, at pitch, not
too much wear, about 15 years old.

Apparently the school is now uses electric 
keyboards; is willing to sell said piano
to her.

She evicts 2 other teachers from 
the room, and explains;" she wants 
to be alone with me because she,
"Wants me not to be honest"
"wants a high estimate",
and proceeds to explain how she 
thinks she can get the piano
for about $1000(Canadian money....about $600US.)
She then makes clear I am not to
communicate with the school, but 
will be using my estimate to get what
she wants.

   Several issues come to mind.

First, a client does not dictate what an 
estimate must look like.
She thinks she can orchestrate the
details because she is hiring me.
I don't think so. I advocate for a
client hiring me, buyer or seller,
and act accordingly, but within reasonable
limits based on defendable valuations.

Secondly, she is a public servant,
working for the very institution she
is actively trying to rip off. I see
no sense of obligation to look out 
for the interests of the corporation
she works for. I told her this, and also
told her if she worked for my company
I would fire her. The same schools
that are crying no money for books
and activities have teachers attempting
to suck the system for thousands
of extra dollars. I happen to know this
same school closed a wood-shop. What do 
you think of a teacher getting ahold
of most of the tools for a song, for example 
$20 brings a giant lath home. Polish it
up and offer it privately for a $800 value. 

I was booked to go to the lady's home 
after the estimate to tune and fix a few 
things. So between  this and the estimate 
I just walked away from half a days work.

I have heard it said
"never let pride get in the way of makn money"
well.... today I beg to disagree.
   
              grrrrrrrrrrrr
              David Renaud
              RPT 
              Canada

                                           

 

 

  
    

   

   



        



 

    
                        

______________________________________________________________________ 
Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca