<html><body> <DIV>Hi Dave,</DIV> <DIV>I don't drive unfortunately, but the sign on the car is a great idea.  As for cold calling, I simply ask if they want to schedule a tuning.  If they have a tuner, I'll apologize and go on to the next one, nothing dishonest about that.  I wouldnt undercut another tuner, but if a customer came to me for a better rate, I'd do it, and have already.  This place asked if I'd give them a discount, and I said I would.  Right now I need work and the opportunity to hone the skills I"ve learned thusfar.   Its a tough world out there, and I don't see any techs. throwing work my way.:) tech s that already know I'm in this and who have promised "oh yeah, I'll send customers I don't want your way."  all talk.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Marshall</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message -------------- <BR>From: "David Ilvedson" <ilvey@sbcglobal.net> <BR> <P>Nothing wrong with a magnetic sign on your car...we are assuming you can do the work...anyone can hang out a shingle & public beware...</P> <P><BR>David Ilvedson, RPT<BR>Pacifica, California<BR><BR><BR><BR></P> <DIV style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 3px solid; PADDING-TOP: 5px"> <HR> Original message<BR>From: pianotune05@comcast.net<BR>To: "Pianotech List" <PIANOTECH@PTG.ORG><BR>Received: 1/18/2006 12:37:53 PM<BR>Subject: Re: One Piano Per....??<BR><BR> <DIV align=left>Well all pianos need tuning if they haven't been tuned.  Calling to simply ask to schedule a tuning isn't deceiving a potential customer.  If they have one, the'll tell me, or they'll discuss it with the person who handles piano tuning.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for undercutting etc.  If a customer comes to me and asks for a better rate I'll do it.  My wife and I are in desperate financial circumstances, and I need the tunings.  I won't knowingly go to someone else's customer, but if that customer comes to me then that's different.  </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for joing the guild.  I'm in the process of getting my app filled out. etc.  If anyone here has a better idea than cold calling, I'm all ears, but I've done cold calling off and on for about 21 years.  I'm looking into door hangers as well.  </DIV> <DIV>Marshall</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid">-------------- Original message -------------- <BR>From: "Barbara Richmond" <piano57@insightbb.com> <BR><BR>> I vote with Phil. There was someone with whom I teamed up with for a bit <BR>> (against my better judgment and later, much to my regret) and I witnessed <BR>> him making this type of call. It was not well received and because he <BR>> associated himself with me, I caught some flack. What a nightmare. I <BR>> disassociated myself from him as quickly as possible, not only because of <BR>> this, but because of some of his other dubious business practices (trickery, <BR>> etc.). I'm glad that episode of my life is <LONG>past. <BR>> <BR>> Whew. <BR>> <BR>> Barbara Richmond, RPT <BR>> <BR>> <BR>> ----- Original Message ----- <BR>> From: "Phil Bondi" <PHIL@PHILBONDI.COM><BR>> To: "Pianotech List" <PIANOTECH@PTG.ORG><BR>> Sent: Wedn! esday, January 18, 2006 11:35 AM <BR>> Subject: Re: One Piano Per....?? <BR>> <BR>> <BR>> > <BR>> > <BR>> > James Grebe wrote: <BR>> > <BR>> >> That sounds like a good cold call tactic. <BR>> > <BR>> > OK - I've heard enough now. I need to comment: <BR>> > <BR>> > The Piano Technicians Guild Code Of Ethics - Rule#1: <BR>> > <BR>> > I will act honorably and in a professional manner. <BR>> > <BR>> > I'm sorry - I view cold calling and deceiving a potential client into <BR>> > thinking they need a piano tuned in violation of Code Of Ethics #1. <BR>> > <BR>> > Marshall, if you're not a member of the PTG, then may I suggest you do so. <BR>> > <BR>> > There are a number of people who are now reading this note from me who <BR>> > KNOW how strongly I feel about stepping on any toes - I simply won't do <BR>> > it..nor will I knowingly undercut another te! chnicians price to get the <BR>> > work. <BR>> > <BR>> > Bring it on, <BR>> > <BR>> > -Phil Bondi(Fl) <BR>> > <BR>> > _______________________________________________ <BR>> > Pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives <BR>> > <BR>> <BR>> <BR>> _______________________________________________ <BR>> Pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives </BLOCKQUOTE></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></body></html>