[pianotech] Tuning in a Down Economy

[David Ilvedson]

You don't get a tax deduction for free services rendered.   

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "John Dorr" <a440 at bresnan.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 3/18/2009 6:39:38 AM
Subject: [pianotech] Tuning in a Down Economy


>Rather than lower rates, why not give away your tuning for free?

>Ok class, stop laughing .  As always, there should be underlying method in 
>madness.  And here it is:  I regularly donate tunings to fundraiser auctions, 
>especially those that are likely to have music and/or an upscale clientele. 
> You get a tax deduction, you get your name out there, and you might get a new 
>customer after his free tuning.

>I've had very good success with this.  Besides the auction winner, I usually 
>scribble down the names of all the bidders and call them, too.  I get 
>permission to do this, and donate 10% of subsequent PAID tunings after I make 
>the calls to these people (who demonstrably WANT their pianos tuned) and book 
>a few more appointments.  If I can't be present at the event, I'll ask the 
>contact person to supply me the names and phone numbers of the non-winning 
>silent auction bidders, reminding them that I'll donate 10% of the business 
>immediately generated by those calls.

>I have my office helper make a really nice certificate entitling the winner to 
>a tuning.  My business name is prominent.  It's like putting an 8"x12" 
>business card on the table.  And it generates good will of course.

>WARNING:  put a fuse on it!  I usually make the certificate good for one year. 
> I don't want them to all pile up on me at once!

>Oh, and for a VALUE, if they ask, I quote a tuning PLUS a pitch raise, because 
>that's what you'll usually do!  The last auction tuning I did, I asked the 
>customer out of curiosity how much it went for.  He told me it was a bit over 
>$400.00!!!  Talk about yer upscale crowd, huh?

>Last Monday I did a paid tuning for the school that held the auction for the 
>$400.00 tuning above.  It pays.  I'm their guy now.

>John Dorr
>Helena, MT