<html> <head> <style> .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma } </style> </head> <body class='hmmessage'> Hello Matthew,<BR>  <BR> When I started seriving pianos 3 years ago, I started out at $85 for tuning 35$ for pitch raise, and whats extra is extra, within about  a year my costumers asked me why I charge so cheap... Nowadays I have 34 costumers, and I charge $100-125 for tuning and $65 for pitch raise, and no one complains. I have had calls like today asking for a cheap deal, I said $100, they said no. Basically I my service grows on my costumers words, they simply pass on the word for my work  :-)<BR> Now I'm fully satisfied with my income, as i also service a few diferent halls...<BR>  <BR> Hope this helps,<BR> Alicia Evans<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 09:52:10 -0700<BR>From: toddpianoworks@att.net<BR>Subject: Competitive Rates<BR>To: pianotech@ptg.org<BR><BR> <DIV>Hi,</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>How often does everyone evaluate their tuning rates, and overall fees?  In my area I have found, so far, that I am the most expensive.  Not because I charge high, but because I feel my services are of a higher quality, and my clients are paying for a skilled trade, if you will.  I am the only PTG member in this area working toward RPT status, by the way.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Have any of you had a lot of calls where they are only looking for the cheapest deal?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Just to remind you, I relocated to this area six months ago, and began building a full time business here in March.  Yes there are several other extablished tuners in the area, some are good, some we won't mention...but I feel if I get out there and do quality service, and great customer skills, I shouldn't have a problem building a very reputable business.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>How many years did it take all of you to begin your business to when you began full time?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Thanks in advance,</DIV> <DIV>Matthew</DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><br /><hr />Messenger's gone Mobile! <a href='http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/msnnkmgl0010000001ukm/direct/01/' target='_new'>Get it now!</a></body> </html>