Matthew, Where are you? I used to go over my rates every couple of years, however, my first few years started out very cheap as I was inexperienced.  As I reached RPT, my rates caught up to what most of the other RPT's charged in my area.  Being a "green" RPT (still fresh meat) I wasn't charging nearly what the well seasoned concert tech's charged, but now that I'm much more seasoned, my rates are getting up there.  I don't do much outside university tunings any more, though. Yes, I got shoppers all the time who obviously were looking for the cheap way out.  I could tell right away, so gave a simple amount and they would say thanks and I'd never hear from them again. (except when I was green). Good for you for aspiring toward being an RPT. I wish more of our associates here would be so bold!  Find a local mentor to help speed you along! Paul <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>Matthew Todd <toddpianoworks@att.net> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 06/04/2008 12:00 PM <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@ptg.org <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Competitive Rates</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Hi,   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.   Have any of you had a lot of calls where they are only looking for the cheapest deal?   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.   How many years did it take all of you to begin your business to when you began full time?   Thanks in advance, Matthew