<HTML>I quote them my 1 1/2 hou= r service call charge, then explain in detail what they get for that.  = While I can squeeze a few extras(tightening bolts, adjusting pedals, elimina= ting squeaks) I do NOT include a pitch raise, even if I can get it done in t= hat time frame. I always explain everything in black and white in the initia= l conversation, so there is no room for interpretation when the bill is pres= ented. Gratifying side note:  I've had several customers call me back in r= ecent days after they price-shopped for their last tooning, saying that I wa= s worth the extra dollars they saved by hiring a tooner!   Doing conscientious, quality work will always pay off, even if you lose = a customer or two to cowboys carrying a tuning hammer. In a message dated 6/16/03 7:42:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, rstrang@pa.= inter.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-= LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">I tell my customers right u= p front what I charge. I have compared what I charge to the other tooners in the area and I know I'm right in there wi= th them all. I think the customers appreciate a good solid answer. Richard -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of pianolover 88 Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 9:19 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: price-shoppers! Just wanted to get some feedback on how everyone ELSE handles first-time customer calls that begin: "HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?" I've tried many different approaches because there is that segment of first time callers that are more interested in getting the LOWEST price, rather than the be= st service, or at least that seems to be their number ONE priority. Should = I just give my price point blank and then shut up and wait for there respo= nse? Usually, before i tell the customer my fees, I ask them:  "when was= your piano last tuned", and then get a little more pertinent piano info, THEN tell them my prices. But then you get that all too familiar response...:= ok thanks, I call you back", or: " well, let me talk to my Husband/wife", e= tc. Fortunately, I book a fair percentage of my first time calls, but does anyone on the list have a favorite, effective way to handle these calls?= I know we can't book EVERY call, but that's what I'm striving for! What I DON'T want to do is get caught up in a "price war" with other tuners. I = know there are some tuners out there that will cut their prices to the bone, = just too appeal to those price hunters, but I hate to have to stoop to "price wars" to compete with the few who charge $55 a tuning! I'm striving to emphasize Quality, precision, and professional, curteous service, and I = know my loyal cusomers appreciate this. </BLOCKQUOTE> </HTML>