<font color='black' size='2' face='Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif'> <div><font style="background-color: transparent;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Richard</font></div> <div> </div> <div>I am in the process of having my website redone by someone who does that for a living. It's not done yet, but one of the first things he asked me was if I had letters of recommendations from customers. He thinks they are a good way of letting other customers know about the quality of my service. I have asked several of my piano teachers and church musicians to write a letter, and also a couple of customer who's pianos I rebuilt. </div> <div> </div> <div>So the bottom line, is, yes, it's OK to ask for letters of recommendations, or testimonials. Leave it up to the individual how and what to write. </div> <div> </div> <div>Wim </div> <div></div> <div style="clear: both;"> <div> </div> </div> <div></div> <div></div> <div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">-----Original Message-----<br> From: Richard W. Bushey <rbushey4@embarqmail.com><br> To: pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org><br> Sent: Mon, Oct 15, 2012 7:44 am<br> Subject: [pianotech] soliciting testimonials or customer comments?<br> <br> <div id="AOLMsgPart_1_9bb3bff7-d3e7-4c0a-9e20-ffbef2c25897"> <div><font size="2" face="Arial">I have seen several technician's websites that include testimonials or customer comments about one's services (including all aspects of tuning/repair, etc. as well as specifically about Dampp-Chaser installations), and was considering adding a page such as this for my services.  I was wondering what you all feel is the proper way to acquire, ask permission to use, etc?   OR do you feel that they are even helpful, necessary, or not?  It is always awkward asking people to "dote" on you, however, I think it is still an honest way for potential customers to see that you are legit, punctual, careful, polite, etc. without you having to "blow your own horn" so to speak.  They will have a tendency to believe what others say collectively about you.</font></div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial">Anyway, if </font><font size="2" face="Arial">one (me or anyone else) wants to include them on their website, I guess I'm curious if one should wait for unsolicited comments (cards, emails, etc. that just show up without you asking), or is it alright to ask present and/or former clients (by email, request at the time of tuning, etc.) if they would be willing and able to write an honest note (by email, cards, comment boxes on blogs, facebook entries, etc.) about one's services with the understanding that anything written could be used on one's website or other publications such as brochures, etc? </font></div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial">So, what do you all do?   </font><font size="2" face="Arial"></font></div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial"></font> </div> <div><font size="2" face="Arial">Richard W. Bushey<br> Richard's Piano Service<br> <a href="http://www.RichardsPianoService.com" target="_blank">www.RichardsPianoService.com</a><br> <a href="mailto:Rbushey@RichardsPianoService.com">Rbushey@RichardsPianoService.com</a><br> 573-765-9903</font></div> <br> <hr>I am using the Free version of <a href="http://www.spamfighter.com/len" target="_blank">SPAMfighter</a>.<br> SPAMfighter has removed 1000 of my spam emails to date.<br> <br> Do you have a <a href="http://www.spamfighter.com/SLOW-PCfighter?cid=sigen" target="_blank">slow PC?</a> Try free scan! </div>  </div> </font>