Gerry,
Hold on a minute. No one is advocating giving away business as part of one's business plans. The situation that was presented was what to do at this point: cut the losses and move on or sue for restitution. I think most agreed taking the legal route could end up costing more than the loss is worth. Thus the feeling is cut the losses and move on.
If I was in Gene's shoes, I'd have sour grapes and be really ticked off, as one should. And if the symphony hired him with the full knowledge that they weren't going to have money to pay him, and if you could actually proved it was pre-meditated, then I would say that's worth a look at a lawsuit. But again, if they don't have the money, your chances of recovery will be slim at best.
Personally I would try the guilt trip route and call the business manager or the manager of the symphony, someone with some clout. At some point they should have the heart to discuss this matter and work out some way to get this matter resolved. I'm sure they realize they have egg on the face with no only you but with other subcontractors. They probably aren't answering the phones for the obvious reasons.
And as far as the 2 hr drive...that's peanuts.
Tom Servinsky
----- Original Message -----
From: Gerald Groot
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 7:48 PM
Subject: [pianotech] no cash flow
Hi Gene,
I wouldn't give my services away either. 2 hours is a very long drive to make either way you look at it. The mere suggestion's that we should just cut our losses or give away our time or, place an ad in a bulletin or anything else in return for doing them or anyone else for that matters, a favor, for us to receive favor's (?), or for us to "hopefully" receive work from someone else because of our ad, (which rarely ever really happens in the real world) while we give away our services for free in the meantime, to me is kind of a nutty way of thinking. It most certainly is not a way to stay in business and is most certainly not a way to make any money. But it IS a way for everyone to pass along the word that so and so will tune your piano for free if you ask him to place an ad in your paper. And, so and so can be called to tune your piano if you cannot afford to pay him because he will just write it off. And, just because someone is placing an ad in these playbill's, does NOT mean that it is drawing in work. I know, I've done it which is why I do not endorse it at all. It does not work. All it is, is a prestige thingy. Anyone with a good reputation does not have to do this.
Are we in this business to make a profit or give away our time? Sure, give away something once in a while but, not continually. I see and read where so many people have this stupid idea that piano tuners should do something for nothing or for less. Why? We are professionals like any others are. Concert work is not pure pleasure. It is, in fact, the opposite in many cases. It is time consuming, stressful and a lot of work. It takes a lot of extra time and lots of patience not to mention standby time and waiting to talk with the artist, meeting their needs, staying for the concerts etc. Last week Saturday, I woke up at 6 AM, starting my work day at 8 AM and did not finish it until 10 PM. All for ONE concert event. I charge accordingly for my standby time plus my tuning fee's. Personally, if I were to drive 2 hours anywhere, which I will not do, I would most certainly charge a LOT more for a tuning and for my driving time both ways.
I'm not sure I would mention the name of the organization here. I haven't been able to come to a conclusion on that yet because I do not have all of the information that you have. I'm not saying that I wouldn't either. But, I would most certainly tell everyone in your area about it. Especially if it has been going on for some time. That way, they will either have to pay on time to get good quality service or suffer the consequences because nobody that is qualified will service for them. That is generally how we handle accounts like that around here. I would inform them in advance of what I am about to do to give them an opportunity to pay up and stay on time with it.
Jer
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Gene Nelson
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 6:51 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Fw: no cash flow
I have not heard anyone suggest that making the name of the symphony public could be unethical, and I do not believe it would be. The time is not now however.
After much consideration I have that old bad taste in my mouth.
I have donated many tunings but they have always been by my choice - not an option to deceit.
This symphony knew when they wanted my services that they could not pay me and did not have the fortitude to inform me or ask for donated service - who knows, I may have felt generous that day.
The feeling I get here is that there is something glorious about concert work that should cause me to be bullied into donating a full day to someone who clearly has no regret about taking advantage. If I give in then the next technician will likely be faced with the same thing. The next technician should ask to be paid in advance or at least know what could be on the horizon for them.
To be honest, I get more satisfaction out of reviving the old upright as opposed to some aspects of concert work and cannot see anything that is so special about it.
If my reputation gets trashed because I want to be paid for my services then maybe I am in the wrong business.
These same people have benefactors that are willing to front enough $$$ for one of the most exotic German pianos on the market - will they maintain that one with the same approach?
Communication and good will is a two way street.
Thanks again for all of your thoughts.
Gene
----- Original Message -----
From: Gene Nelson
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] no cash flow
This would be good if I was close to the place. As it is a 2+ hour drive, my services were more than a tuning (took up an entire day) and I do not want clients in that area because I am not willing to drive there on a regular basis I cannot see the value in it. I don't care about the income range of those who might read my name on some symphony hand out as none of them will be a client.
This is looking more and more like a chartable contribution that I am being forced to give. Maybe I can use it as a tax write off - there is at least some value in that.
Gene
----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Trout
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] no cash flow
Since I'm not a regular symphony attendee, I'm not all that familiar with how the playbill is written or what is normally in it. But if you have the opportunity to put your name in front of a few hundred or even a few thousand people for the price of a tuning, that may be a rather target rich audience for your advertising.
The few times I was sitting, waiting for a concert to begin, I often found myself reading whatever I had available, even if I had almost no interest, simply to occupy my thoughts with something other than nothing.
Might end up being a win/win for both of you. Saves them money, provides you advertising. You'd just want to work out ahead of time what work equates with what advertising to make it at least approach equitable in appearance.
Best of luck,
Brian
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From: alliedpianocraft at hotmail.com
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 12:37:38 -0400
Subject: Re: [pianotech] no cash flow
Take it out in trade! Get tickets to the symphony or an ad in the playbill in lieu of payment.
Al
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