Pianotech

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Prices on Website

  • 1.  Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2018 13:21
    Hello all,

    its been my observation that about 50% or so of piano technicians that have a website list their basic tuning fee on their website. The other 50% (approximately) do not. These numbers are not hard and fast, just my personal observations.

    So my question is, do you list your basic tuning fee on your website? Why or why not?

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
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  • 2.  RE: Prices on Website

    Posted 04-06-2018 13:57
    I list my tuning fee and hourly rate to weed out the price shoppers.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 3.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2018 14:43
    Agree with Jon. Also, listing numerous repairs, regulations, etc, that you do, and approximately what it costs, actually encourages customers to ask about that. I've had several customers request hammer shaping, replacing dampers, etc.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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  • 4.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2018 18:25
    Also agree with Jon. And my web site says additional work will be discussed at the tuning.

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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
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  • 5.  RE: Prices on Website

    Posted 04-06-2018 20:30
    I list my basic tuning fee and pitch correction fee. I like to keep things simple.

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    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    Tunic OnlyPure, TuneLab & Easy Piano Tuner user
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  • 6.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2018 20:37
    Yes I do because some people have no clue how much a tuning is.  Additionally it's the most common fee in the business.  So far I've been comfortable with it.  The only bump in the process is changing my fee.  I have to list the change in the website before I can actually start charging the new amount.  No biggie.  I also list the cost of a pitch raise and why.  I don't list any other prices  ...... that I recall anyway.
     
    Lar
     
     





  • 7.  RE: Prices on Website

    Posted 04-06-2018 22:25

    The only bump in the process is changing my fee.  I have to list the change in the website before I can actually start charging the new amount.
    Larry Fisher,  04-06-2018 20:36
    I have a little disclaimer on my website that says, "I reserve the right, however to change my fees without notice." I'd normally change my website before I increase my fee but, just in case, I figured I'd cover myself.

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    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    Tunic OnlyPure, TuneLab & Easy Piano Tuner user
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Prices on Website

    Posted 04-07-2018 05:44
    I do not talk about pitch corrections, that would take up too much bandwidth and detract from any impact the website might have. I list a basic fee for a 1.5 hour appointment. If my time is taken up involving a pitch correction, cleaning or minor adjustments with the tuning appointment; it's my time I selling as a block and not individual operations.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 9.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-07-2018 07:57
    I list:

    1) My hourly rate (1st hour is equivalent to the normal tuning fee),

    2) The rate for each subsequent hour.

    3) I briefly explain that initially I charge by the hour until the piano is in "maintainable" condition, and give an approximate time frame to bring a neglected piano up to this, then tell them to do the math.

    4) I try to make it clear that this is fairest to both them and me, as well as the fact that others charge less. It's their decision. 

    Many have commented that they like this approach.

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 10.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-11-2018 13:57
    So, on the flip side of my question, for those of you who don't list your basic tuning fee on your website, why not?

    I've been looking at a lot of guild members websites the past several days, and about 50% actually list the price. For those that don't, is there a reason why?

    Not trying to attack anyone, just curious as to why.

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-12-2018 05:55
    Hi everyone.

    Benjamin, I am currently updating my site, and the old site did not list prices..neither will the new and improved site. Much of my new client work comes from referrals and the issue rarely comes up...so my referrals are solid and re-assuring to that new client. When price does come up from a referral, I have not had a rejection or a 'I need to think about it' in a very long time. I'm not the highest price in the area, but the price is one I can live and make a good living with.

    As for the non-referrals, I would rather speak to them on the phone. It's a personal thing with me. Those who list their price(s) do so for a reason. Those who do not also have a reason - mine is to speak in person with the potential client.


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    -Phil Bondi
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  • 12.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-14-2018 00:18
    I list my prices for a few reasons, but here are a couple of the main ones. 
    1. To reduce the number of phone calls and emails I have to answer. Answering the phone in the middle of a tuning is disruptive, and responding to emails at night is a drag. Most people who call or email me already know what my price is and are ready to set an appointment. 
    2. It helps me control my bad habit of undercharging. I've recognized in myself a tendency to treat others the way I wish other professionals would treat me. Usually that's a good thing...simple stuff like not charging more than I quote for a job. But a dark side of that is that I find myself trying to give people "a good deal" by charging less than my time is worth. Having the actual price written on my website helps keep me honest and fair to myself.

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    Anthony Willey
    Shoreline WA
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  • 13.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-10-2018 16:38
    Hello all,

    I just wanted to share this conversation that happened last week. I asked the client (first time) why she chose me. Her reply:

     "I liked your website. It was laid out well, and I could easily determine what service packet I needed. I liked the online scheduler - it made my life a little less crazy! I also liked that you listed your prices. Your competitors don't do that, in case you didn't know, and when I saw your prices, it said to me that you were honest. You would be here for so long, and wouldn't try to rip me off because I lived in a nice neighborhood, in terms of time or money. Overall, I felt I could trust you."

    Just wanted to share this as the explanation of why I choose to list my prices.

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Prices on Website

    Posted 07-10-2018 16:46
    I too appreciate when a customer gives the reasons they hire. But don't forget, it's a one sided coin because you don't from the people who go to your website and move on.





  • 15.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-10-2018 18:29
    I know what you mean Chris. I wish I did know why those who don't choose me make their decision. I assume that most of the time they're price shoppers. But I don't know. It could be because my hair isn't gray and I'm not well past retirement age (no offense to those of you who are). Or it could be because my mustache wasn't fully grown in yet in that picture. Hey, it could happen....

    For the past few months I've been asking those prospects that turn into clients why they choose me. Pretty much all the same reasons as that one lady gave. If nothing else, it lets me know what I'm doing right. But it also tells me what people that choose me valued in making their choice. That helps marketing a bunch, I think.

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    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Prices on Website

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-10-2018 16:47
    Hi Ben:
    Good for you. I'm very glad to hear you are using GAzelle. See what I mean? People really like self-scheduling. I also have my prices listed, but most people can't find it. It's on a separate page. Gazelle makes it easy to list prices, or not, and / or any services you offer. Very cool.
    Good luck.
    Paul McCloud


    Hello all,

    I just wanted to share this conversation that happened last week. I asked the client (first time) why she chose me. Her reply:

    "I liked your website. It was laid out well, and I could easily determine what service packet I needed. I liked the online scheduler - it made my life a little less crazy! I also liked that you listed your prices. Your competitors don't do that, in case you didn't know, and when I saw your prices, it said to me that you were honest. You would be here for so long, and wouldn't try to rip me off because I lived in a nice neighborhood, in terms of time or money. Overall, I felt I could trust you."

    Just wanted to share this as the explanation of why I choose to list my prices.

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net