<HTML>In a message dated 9/7/02 6:14:43 PM !!!First Boot!!!, mathstar@salemnet.com writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I've noticed several references to sending out reminder cards, etc. I have been calling people when it's time (or when I think it's time) to tune. Sometimes I get put off indefinitely or vaguely--they think the piano sounds fine or don't want to spend the $, I suppose. This feels like I used to when I sold insurance and called to set appointments ... I don't like the feeling BUT I just think there would be more procrastination and forgotten schedules if I leave it to the customer to call--also more pitch adjustments to deal with, etc. Your thoughts? </BLOCKQUOTE> We've talked about this a couple of times in the past. But it never hurts to talk about it, especially since we have a lot more newbies on the list. The need for piano tuning is like the need to get your teeth cleaned. 6 moths or a year goes by in a hurry. And just like your teeth, it is difficult to realize something has gone awry, since it happens so gradually. That is why a gentle reminder is not a bad idea. But, as Alan said, customers don't always respond to a cold call. Most of the time customers hang up without really listening to who you are, or what your are trying to "sell" them, because to them, you're just another phone solicitor. That is why I send out reminder post cards. There are some available from the home office, or you can make your own. The reminder card is a non invasive way to let your customers know that it has been 6 months, or a year, since you were there, and that it is time to get the piano tuned again. (I send out reminder cards for 4 years. It's amazing how many people call you even after 4 years, not realizing it's been that long). The post card allows them to schedule an appointment at their own convenience, whenever they want to get around to it. You will find that they are much more receptive to having you in their house when they have invited you, than when you have asked them for the appointment. It is also a time saver for you. I used to call my customers. I even sent them a post card telling them I was going to call them. Then one year, over a six month period of time, one month I sent out a post card telling the customer I would call them, and then the next moth, I asked them to call me. After six moth, there was no significant difference in my income from one month to the next. Basically,  I was getting the same number of appointments during the months I was calling customer, as when I was asking them to call me. That was about 20 years ago, and I have never called a customer to ask them to get the piano tuned. They always call me, and I'm saving about 3 - 4 hours a week to do other things. The other advantage to the post card is that it will get put on the refrigerator door, and it will stay there for months. I have gotten phone calls from customer who got the reminder card 4 or 5 months before. It's also great free advertising. That post card on the refrigerator will get seen by friends and family members. And when it gets sent to churches and schools, the secretaries and other staff members often see the reminder cards. For the little amount of money the post card cost, they are a great way to build up your clientele. Wim </HTML>