I let them know when I'm scheduling the appointment what the cost will typically run for such an appointment. I say, "Usually when someone decides to sell a piano it hasn't been serviced in lots of years and it needs quite bit more than just a standard service call. Typically it will run between $xx and $yy." Build a generous amount in there then when the bill is lower than the max estimate you are a hero. I always let first time customers know that it could be a pitch raise and give them a quote. That way I never have to sell it after I get to the house. I used to not do that, and this way works way better. Dean _____ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of paul bruesch Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 6:51 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Thanks and further comments They go both ways... I've had easy sells from these, and also the "Oh just a tuneup... whaddayamean, pitch correction?" Paul Bruesch Stillwater, MN On Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 5:20 PM, Dean May <deanmay at pianorebuilders.com> wrote: I love getting those calls. Bread and Butter work. They are usually very profitable service calls and easy sells, because people are usually understanding and prepared that the bill is going to be higher. Send those calls my way. Dean _____ From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of John Ross Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 5:54 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Thanks and further comments I just dread hearing, we got a free piano. We were told it just needed a tuning. Usually that is when pitch raises are needed, plus maybe a C/A treatment. I am really amazed at how many of the homes these pianos are in, belong to people who could afford better. Doctors, lawyers and teachers etc. John Ross Windsor, Nova Scotia. On 2011-02-03, at 6:23 PM, Paul T Williams wrote: Me Too!!! Check out string conditions, rust, corrosion, action critter infestations, etc before even starting. Otherwise, you'll be in for a world of hurt! a couple of real sour notes will indicate a bad pin block. Try those first. If the tunining hammer starts to move after letting go, then let go of the project!! (generally speaking) 300 cents makes me wonder why they're even wanting it tuned??? Is it for Junior or Miss to start taking lessons? This might open up a can of worms that the customer just can't or won't want to hear. Even when it was "grandmother's wedding gift" or whatever. Go with a bit of caution into these kinds of pianos....This probably means the action is wasted as well....Or maybe never played...another observation to look at) No matter what the tuning method is. If it's 300 cents flat, no matter how well it's tuned at first via aural or ETD, it'll be out of tune in a couple weeks,..and may sound more sour than when you started!!! HINT! Follow ups like this need 2-3 follow up tunings in my mind. there again, more costs that the new customer had not even dreamed of..... I lived on an island in Washington state for several years. I think I know what folks like Duaine are talking about as far as nasty old uprights. (that may indeed be nice ones with serious investments, btw) Many of them never dreamed of what investments lay ahead! They probably thought it would take a couple hundred bucks to make it "just like new!!!" Those on the mainland were absolutely ready for it and were willing to pay for it, but even that rarely happened. I fear the former for Duaine's situation. Paul From: Avery Todd <ptuner1 at gmail.com> To: pianotech at ptg.org Date: 02/03/2011 03:54 PM Subject: Re: [pianotech] Thanks and further comments _____ Even though I use an ETD some, using the pitch raise function ONLY with an ETD on a 300 cent pitch raise, I'd be a little nervous about the amount of overpull. Depending on the age and condition of the piano. Maybe it's just me, though. Avery On Thu, Feb 3, 2011 at 2:08 PM, Mr. Mac's < <mailto:tune-repair at allegiance.tv> tune-repair at allegiance.tv> wrote: On Feb 3, 2011, at 1:39 PM, Duaine Hechler wrote: > With that kind of pitch raise, I would tell the customer that I would > have to come back in 2-3 weeks do do another tuning. > > Some actually have me come back - and - others don't care and are > satisfied with the way it sounds. These are probably the ones that have > it tuned every 10-20 years. > > 99% of the time, it is all up to the customers "money belt". Are they > willing to pay for a "follow up" tuning. Duaine, You are starting to change your tune, but that's okay. because the tune you are advocating here falls more in line with what generally is experienced as what is. Keith -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20110203/7ff93f53/attachment.htm>
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