[pianotech] price-negotiating customers

[David Stocker]

A local tech, when told of someone who charged far less for a tuning, 
replied: "Well, he knows what his work is worth!"

In the past, I have had potential clients who came from cultures where 
bargaining is the norm. After much pondering, I have chosen to say that I am 
not offended that they ask, but competition keeps my prices fair and they 
are not negotiable.


David Stocker, RPT
Tumwater, WA

-----Original Message----- 
From: David Nereson
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 21:34
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