Tery, you say they PRESUMABLY now have the impression no additional work is needed. I think you have to find out if that presumption is correct. If it is, and they believe the 'teacher' is more expert than you, (or believe her implicit suggestion that you've been trying to con them), then I would just say to them that you will be happy from now on to leave their piano in the hands of their expert music teacher, and move sweetly on. Agreeing to a discount for all the teacher's clients, kinda makes her a party in all those customer transactions, and it already sounds as if she is a most undesirable partner, quite prepared to interfere between you and your customer every time. Why should you charge less than your work is worth, just at the request of this lady? A recommendation from her will probably count for very little, and she does not have it in her power to compel her pupils' families to choose you! The relationship between service provider and customer can't be improved by the interference of a third party, and it's just asking for trouble. I have customers who are music teachers, and they recommend me. I appreciate that they do, and that they are happy with my service. But they don't ask for, or receive, any discount on my price. (In any case, if they are legitimate their income will be declared to the IRS, and piano tuning will be an allowable expense deductible from the profits of the business). What I MIGHT sometimes for music teacher customers with whom I am on very good terms, is offer an extra level of service out of appreciation - perhaps some free action regulation etc, if they have been customers for some years. But within strict limits! A nasty business! Extricate yourself as gracefully as possible...... Best regards, David >Yes, indeed I felt that I had >left a good impression on them when I was there and explained their >options. However, since that time, she has spoken to the piano teacher >and presumably now has the impression that the piano is not in need of >any additional work. >And if that is how it ends up, that is absolutely fine with me. But, >as these folks seemed to me to be reasonable, it seems to me that one >last round of attempting to inform them of reality is appropriate. I'm >looking for any recommendations for what might be the best way to >convey to Funky Piano owners that their piano does in fact need at >least some rough regulation and repairs to restore function.
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