Charges

[Dean May]

Good question. 

Consider that the Protec or Goose Juice might not work. You'd be called back
and the customer would expect you to fix it for free. You need to charge
enough so that the average collected would cover any such call back. I
usually try to head this off, though, and explain that the lubrication will
probably work based on my experience, but the action may need more drastic
measures. 

It also isn't free to stock Protec/GJ and hypo oiler. 

I try to charge $20-$25 any time I get the hypo out and lubricate all the
flanges.

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 

Terre Haute IN  47802


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Lawson
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 7:23 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Charges 

I am throwing in this little scenario for you to consider when working out
your charges.
Before the arrival of Protec, and the ability to place a few drops on to a
tight centre pin, instead of removing the hammer, re-centring the flange and
replacing them, we charged for the time taken, right? What do you do now
that the same job is done, with little time involved, just the cost of the
Protec? I still charge for a flat fee for the curing of the problem, and it
is based upon my previous charges for the full job. Am I screwing the
customer, or am I supplying a service that my expertise permits me to carry
out? Curing a sticking note is the bottom line, and having a happy camper
for a client gives you license to charge for the service given.
I wait with great anticipation for your replies!!
regards, David Lawson Wangaratta Australia.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dean May" <deanmay at pianorebuilders.com>
To: "'Pianotech List'" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 18, 2007 1:38 AM
Subject: RE: squeaky, creaky pedal puzzler---SOLVED!


> I dare say, Ron, that you charge more per hour for your time than some
> beginning piano tech. You should, anyway. That isn't screwing the
customer,
> it is employing the rationale I poorly set forth at 3:00 AM this morning
> after the birth of my fourth grandchild. Your higher rates are justified
> precisely because you have learned some expensive early lessons. You can
get
> the job done quicker now.
>
> I certainly did not intend that one should charge on a bill 18 minutes of
> time not accounted for. Only that your total charges need to reflect the
> expensive lessons learned.
>
> Dean
>
> Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
>
> PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
>
> Terre Haute IN  47802
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On
Behalf
> Of Ron Nossaman
> Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 10:40 AM
> To: Pianotech List
> Subject: Re: squeaky, creaky pedal puzzler---SOLVED!
>
>
> > If I got a bill from someone and was charged for 18 unexplained minutes,
> > I would have some questions. I think your charges will appear
> > inconsistent if done in this manner. A better way to compensate for
> > experience and training value is simply to have an appropriate billing
> > rate. An appropriate billing rate will fairly compensate you for your
> > expertise, experience and training and your invoices will be consistent
> > and easily understood/explained.
> >
> > Terry Farrell
>
>
> I quite agree. When (not if) I take too long to find some
> problem, and choose not to bill my client the full amount for
> my own ignorance, I also choose not to screw the next guy.
> When I hand the first guy the invoice, someone pays for my
> education then and there - either him or me. My choice.
> Ron N
>
>
>