Piano Service was Petrof keyslip

Joseph Alkana josephspiano@comcast.net
Fri, 18 Jun 2004 09:47:51 -0700


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Re: Petrof keyslipHi Jim,
Piano service is a great topic for most of us field technician types to =
learn more about. Being aware of the customer's expectations, the =
piano's limitations, budget considerations, the technician's skills, =
energy levels, etc., all play a part in getting the extra jobs to go =
along with the routine tunings.

My own experience has shown that a great percentage of the reason people =
call for a "tuning" is because something else is actually wrong with the =
piano. Going over the piano with the customer at some point in the =
service call is essential for mining the work possibilities and planting =
the seeds for work in the future. Because first time calls usually eat =
up most of the time I allot for a service call just doing  the tuning, =
and for the required repairs that prompted the call in the first place, =
I don't give away free cleanings. However, when I discuss the probable =
need for a re-call to stabilize the pitch raise just done, I explain =
that there will be more time available for other work. If they do agree, =
sometimes I'll sweeten the pot by saying that I'll throw in a cleaning =
if they agree to the work suggested. Many technicians are viewing =
service calls as blocks of time. A block of time might just be taken up =
by a long tuning, or if only a touch up is required, then the rest of =
the time is devoted toward improvements in regulation, voicing, =
cleaning, screw tightening,etc., etc. Steve Brady RPT had a wonderful =
class on this subject, pretty much sells his time to customers as =
opposed to job by job quote for the routine service call. Don't forget =
to point out to the customer via the bill anything that you do to the =
piano. Sort of like blowing your horn, but it shows you care and the =
customer knows that value has been added to the service call.

Since my heart attacks and subsequent move leaving my shop behind, I =
can't do a lot of shop work. But, I do keep aware of the needs of the =
piano and will suggest the jobs anyway, with the possibility of having =
another tech do the actual work. Some day I hope to be able to work with =
someone that will do the shop work and I will sell the jobs.

A concept that is so paramount in doing full service work is the  1) =
awareness of work needed and 2) the skills necessary to do it. 'There is =
no better way to enlighten one's self than by attending functions =
presented by the PTG. Chapter level technicals, regional seminars, and =
the annual convention and institute are remarkable opportunities to =
enrich your knowledge and skills leading to a greater income potential.

Lots more to say, but I think I'm preaching to the choir, so I'll shut =
up.
Joseph Alkana  RPT
josephspiano@comcast.net
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Jim Kinnear=20
  To: Pianotech=20
  Sent: Friday, June 18, 2004 5:19 AM
  Subject: Re: Petrof keyslip


  Hi Joseph
  Thanks for the tips . .=20
  I have lots to learn about 'trolling' for more work while tuning  a =
customers piano . .=20
  I usually have just included cleaning and adjusting as part of the =
tuning bill . .  maybe I shouldn't . . . after all, I got to thinking =
about the guys who service my vehicle . .  there, I pay for every screw =
and washer . .  !!
  cheers
  Jim Kinnear
  Collingwood, CA
  www.kinnearpiano.com=20

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