[pianotech] [OT] Right Here, Right Now (was Stuff Which Should Really Be on PTG-L)

[tnrwim at aol.com]

Less than half of our membership are full time technicians, check the surveys

Not only that, but our median age in almost 60. That means there are part time technicians for whom this profession is a second career, which they got into after retiring form another lucrative career, from which they are receiving retirement benefits. They belong the to PTG for a variety of reasons, but if the dues become more than they think justifies their benefits, they will drop their membership.  

I agree with Dale, a $100 increase in dues will drop our membership to below 3000, if not 2500. Yes, these will be the most dedicated members, but unfortunately, we can't afford such a drastic cut in income. 

We need to come up with better ways to increase attendance at conventions, and increase membership. I've made some suggestions, but we need more input from more members. Someday, someone will come up with a magic solution, and we'll all say. "Now why didn't I think of that?" 


Wim


-----Original Message-----
From: Dale Probst <dale at wardprobst.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Fri, Jul 1, 2011 1:01 pm
Subject: Re: [pianotech] [OT] Right Here, Right Now (was Stuff Which Should Really Be on PTG-L)


Less than half of our membership are full time technicians, check the surveys. I don't think you should underestimate the downside to raising dues 100%. I'm in favor of rational increases, I voted for and campaigned for every dues increase while on the board . I'm in favor of doing our best to close the gap without losing many of our valued members who have other professions. You are assuming less members and more money, will make this a "top notch organization". 
 
I don't buy it.. 
 
DP

Dale Probst RPT
Registered Piano Technician
Ward & Probst, Inc.
www.wardprobst.com
dale at wardprobst.com
 


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Ryan Sowers
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 1:39 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Right Here, Right Now (was Stuff Which Should Really Be on PTG-L)(OT)


Like our piano service businesses, when you raise your rates, you mostly lose the lowest level of your clientele and keep the bottom feeders out of range. I think most technicians underestimate what they can charge. I don't think we should underestimate members willingness to pay for a top notch organization. 

If you are a full time technician $450 a year is a drop in the bucket in your yearly expenses. 

Ryan Sowers




On Fri, Jul 1, 2011 at 10:05 AM, Coleman, Jim <jcolem21 at utk.edu> wrote:


Alan & All,
About 3 years ago my report to Council stated that for PTG to be a dues based operation the dues would have to be around $350.  Since then the cost of doing everything has gone up.  In today’s dollars they would probably need to be $400-$450.
Personally I think that is where we should be (and it  would still be a bargin) but as Dale Probst has stated, we do not know what the fall-out would be in terms of losing members.
 
See you in KC!
 

Jim Coleman, Jr   RPT
  Staff Piano Technician
     University of Tennessee
     Knoxville, TN
 (865) 748-0998
(602) 989-0005

 















-- 
Ryan Sowers, RPT
Puget Sound Chapter
Olympia, WA
www.pianova.net


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