Paid for Pitch Raises?

[RicB]

I usually stay out of this kind of discussion because we get them so 
often.... endless rehash of whether or not one should take extra for 
pitch raises, grand pianos vs uprights, etc etc ad absurdum.  But Terry 
sides with Norma here on a point I think is really important and even 
the best of us should always keep a healthy chunck of in our back left 
pockets. (grin.. the right one is reserved for money).

Namely.... investement in ones own education/experience is worth doing a 
good deal of extra work with out direct monetary compensation.  Mistake 
me not however.... you definitely want to keep your customers on their 
toes... it doesnt do to let folks get the idea they can exploit you.  
But learning something through experience is a reward as well... and 
every bit as important a one as money.

Just my two cents

RicB


    Norma - you have a fabulous attitude! I agree with David pretty much
    all the way, but there are so many different situations. And truly -
    David with years and tons of piano experience and living in southern
    CA, and you with a few years experience living in, geezzzz, tundra
    comes first to mind - but likely not anymore with global warming -
    anyway a different piano and cultural setting for sure. With that
    being said, I suspect what you describe may well demand some
    alternative thinking. I guess the bottom line is if you are happy
    and your customers are happy - well, then, what could be wrong with
    that?

    Terry Farrell
      ----- Original Message -----
      With all due respect, I think it's a little different for those of
    us who have been in the business only a few years.  We're trying to
    build clientele and gain experience.  I have done many pitch raises
    and other work for less money than I should have received, but in
    return I gain clients, knowledge and the opportunity to polish my
    skills.  I will never let myself be taken advantage of but being
    demanding as a rookie, either with dealers or clients will get you
    no where.  

      Doing the odd thing for free is really not so bad when you look at
    it in this light,  and not all dealers are pond scum.....they're
    just people too.  "It's a give and take world"......"You reap what
    you sow"....Clichés perhaps, but true none the less.  I just happen
    to be in the giving and sewing mode at the moment,  the taking and
    reaping will come later.

      Best regards,

      Norma Neufeld
      Saskatoon, SK