[pianotech] Price the market will bear

[Alan Eder]

Hi David,


When I think about the funeral industry (and other industries, for that matter, that exploit people being at both an emotional and logistical disadvantage), I am reminded of the ending of the masterpiece by the filmmaking Coen Bros., "The Big Lebowski."  Viewing it will not resolve the disparity between what we piano technicians charge for advice compared to funeral "homes," but at least it will give you a chuckle to see how John Goodman's character (one of his greatest roles) responds to the rip-off attempt regarding an "appropriate receptacle" for a friend's cremated remains.


Alan Eder





-----Original Message-----
From: David Boyce <David at piano.plus.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 12:17 pm
Subject: [pianotech] Price the market will bear


              I was reflecting on a discussion we had here a      couple of years ago about pricing, and what the market will bear.       
      
      My Mother died on 24th December, aged 84 after a short illness      with cancer.  I got the itemised invoice from the Funeral      Directors, a reputable national chain. They provided an efficent      and helpful service.  The largest item on the Itemised invoice was      for "Provision of all professional services including appropriate      advice, support and guidance". This item did NOT include the      actual arrangements - funeral car, hearse, casket, personnel,      cremation fees etc. It only included the consulation and advice.      This single item cost the sterling equivalent of $1,383.
      
      Now, we might very well advise a customer about their piano, and      we may employ considerable experience as a basis for our      professional judgement and recommendation. We may spend some time      talking over options with the customer, and we may make phone      calls for them to check various matters.  For giving such advice,      could we charge $1,383?
      
      The market for funerals will bear high prices, as people are under      pressure emotionally and they have to proceed fairly quickly, and      the body of the deceased HAS to be dealt with.  
      
      Similarly, if the soil pipe is blocked and sewage is flooding your      driveway, you HAVE to get it fixed, even if the plumber is very      expensive.
      
      But piano problems?  Getting them fixed isn't really a necessity.
      
      So I doubt I will be charging $1,383 for professional piano advice      any time soon.
      
      Best regards,
      
      David Boyce.
      
 
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