[pianotech] price-negotiating customers

[Don Mannino]

David,

Under no circumstances would I agree to any kinds of reductions, unless it
was my idea in the first place as a kindness to someone, etc.

My answer to people used to be a polite but firm "no."   Something along the
lines of; "I'm sorry, but I am unable to offer any discounts.  I'm sure you
can find someone at a lower price if you check around."

It's common for people to expect to be able to negotiate the price on
everything these days, so they figure why not try.  There is no reason you
should hesitate to state simply that you can't afford to do good work at
discounted prices.  Once you bend a little, word can get around and you will
have an even harder time saying no to the next person who says "Mrs. X said
you gave her a discount."  

Don Mannino

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Nereson
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 9:35 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] price-negotiating customers

    What words, phrases, does one use to counter prospective customers who
try to talk you down in price?  I had a lady who asked how much I charge to
tune, then asked if I couldn't do it for $xx less, since that's what her
last tuner charged.  Like a fool, and not to get a reputation as a "gouger,"
I agreed.  Now, of course, when I get there, it'll need a pitch raise, lost
motion regulating, a string replaced, vacuuming, etc.
    David Nereson, RPT