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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Scenario "A"</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Unless you have a legal binding non-compete
contract with them, (assuming this is an outside deal and has nothing to do with
the store), there is no way they can prevent you from selling anything.
You are entitled to use the same free enterprise democracy our constitution
provides as they are and all their bitching in the world can
not prevent that. They could potentially cry to the county Department
of Commerce claiming you do not have a retail sales license but it is probably
not worth either party's time. There are far too
many bigger fish in the kettle and the county's limited staff would
likely rather pursue something more tangible. The dealer would also
probably have to demonstrate financial damage in small claims court.
<U>Not</U> going to happen. Now having </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>said
all of that, if you have a good business relationship with them that you wish to
perpetuate you may be obligated to play ball, moral or not. Ask yourself
what is most important.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Scenario "B"</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>If you are attempting to sell one of
<U>their</U> used pianos off <U>their</U></FONT> <FONT face=Arial
size=2>floor a sales person may feel you are attempting to undermine a
commission. They in turn could put up a snit-fit with the owners and
thus pressure you to stay out of that aspect of their business. This in my
opinion is a very foolish management decision. Many technicians have gone
on to become great sales people and many sales people are not as good as they
may think. Furthermore any sale is good for a dealer without regard
of who's doing it and it boosts their bottom line. If they are stupid
enough to discourage you from selling for them during a down market they
deserve what they get, that being the loss of your services.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have been working very hard during the last
several years to learn as much about the retail branch of this business as
possible. This includes becoming privy of sales strategy, talking with top
marketing people, and attending major manufacturer sales seminars. I have
learned a lot about dealer buying, floor financing, sales margins, inventory
costs, and expenses such as insurance, utilities, corporate taxes, liabilities,
employees, retail law, and just exactly what it takes to remain in
business. I can tell you isn't easy. Fortunately I have become very
good personal friends with the owners of the largest dealer here and they have
been gracious to share their knowledge and much inside information.
</FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>I used to be quick to criticize dealers about
"how cheep they are". </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>It's not so easy for
me to pass this kind of judgment anymore.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I can affirmatively say that there are some real
jerky and stupid dealers out there. I've work with and/or for them and
have seen the consequences of their mistakes not excluding bankruptcy.
Some deserve to be out of business and a few are outright criminal.
My suggestion is to kindly ask the owner(s) "where their priorities are" and
what is most important to them. That way you both have an understanding of
where the boundaries are. If they are genuinely being stupid there are
polite ways to get the message across without actually saying it. If they
miss out on a sale by not allowing you to transact their product it is their
loss and the customer will probably go to their competitor.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Rob Goodale, RPT</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Las Vegas, NV</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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<DIV>List,</DIV>
<DIV>How would you feel about a dealer who told you that were not Allowed to
sell a used piano which you repaired etc. ? Said dealer is sending about
$6-7,000 yr. in direct work and referrals, only after their previous tuner
retired. </DIV>
<DIV>Rick Ucci/Ucci
Piano</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><!-- END WEBMAIL STATIONERY --></BODY></HTML>