Dave, I helped out Roger Gable in Everett Washington for a time and it seemed to be helpful for him.  You might contact him for info from someone who has done exactly this.  I helped him out for a couple of years, both in shop and in the field.  You can reach him at (425) 252-5000 or at rgable2@verizon.net Best, Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>Dave Davis <dave@davispiano.com> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 04/14/2008 09:53 AM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: shop work</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Has anyone successfully hired a technician(s) to handle the tuning and light repairs so you can move into more shop work? I'm looking into doing something like this, and in brainstorming, see that there are advantages and disadvantages. I think the multiple-technician business is seen more in the east coast. I only know of one somewhat successful business like this in the Pacific Northwest.   Dave Davis, RPT ----- Original Message ---- From: David Love <davidlovepianos@comcast.net> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 7:24:07 AM Subject: RE: shop work I have a similar problem (if you can call it a problem) and have to make a point of blocking out shop time otherwise projects simply don't get done or I end up working 7 days a week (bad for the golf game).  Over time it's allowed me to reduce my geographical area somewhat and give up those pianos I don’t enjoy working on, not to mention those awful Steinway uprights.  It also makes it more comfortable to raise rates and shift to full service appointments.  I'm scheduling appointments out 4-6 weeks typically and encourage customers to book three months in advance, especially for anything important.  Right now I'm about half shop, half out in the field which I like.  The truth is you make more when you're not driving around but the field contacts bring more shop work and help expand your client base with more quality instruments.  As in all things, you have to find a balance.     David Love <a href=mailto:davidlovepianos@comcast.net>davidlovepianos@comcast.net</a> <a href=http://www.davidlovepianos.com/ target=_blank>www.davidlovepianos.com</a> ----- Original Message ----- From: <a href=mailto:richard.ucci@att.net>richard.ucci@att.net</a> To: pianotech Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 8:51 AM Subject: shop work Folks, I currently service about 20+ residential and institutional accounts per week, all year long. First appointment @ 10am ,last @ 4 roughly. (9+ hours a day, with travel) How do you all factor shop work into your scheduales? Right now ,I work in some time on Sun> (my day off !) Thanks, Rick Ucci/ Ucci Piano