Hi Blaine:
I worked for a store for a couple decades, beginning in 1988. The store advertised an apprenticeship program to become a piano technician, and myself and a couple other guys were the new greenhorns. Sales were brisk, and after a year or so our mentor and store head tech got canned. Sink or swim! Soon after I joined the Guild, and became an RPT, in the early '90's. Since then, sales slowly dropped off, and by attrition I became the only store tech. Store ownership went through 3 changes and finally bit the dust about 10 years ago. By that time, sales were so low that they no longer had enough piano sales to keep me busy, so they encouraged me to pursue outside customers. All service requests were sent to me, and I began building my client list in earnest. All clients were in my custody, and not belonging to the store. But all the income went to the store, which became my salary. I was a "profit center" for the store. There's more to it, but the point is, the clients were mine. After about 3 years of this ownership, the store went bk and I stepped off the treadmill to continue my independent business with my clientelle. Shortly after I got Gazelle, and my business has taken off nicely.
The stores in my area have struggled for years with the slow economy, and full-time tech employees are rare. One of three stores in this area (San Diego) had a full time tech for years, and then opened a satellite store along with another full time tech. They sold a lot of pianos, and kept the techs full-time. But none of the techs could keep their own customer list. That belonged to the store. So, when they left, there was nothing to start their own businesses. I don't know if they signed an agreement not to contact old clients after they left.
As I was lucky enough to have a full time job as an apprentice, I had the time to make all the mistakes along the way, without worrying about whether I was making any money. OJT, on the job training. For a new tech, it is an ideal situation. But now, sales are so slow that stores aren't hiring full time techs anymore. For a new person, finding a store to work for is a good way to begin. Plenty of floor work, and hopefully referrals from the store, calling the store for tunings, is probably the best way to pursue a career. But, the downside is if the store keeps the client list then when you leave you have nothing to show for all the work you did for them. I know three or four techs that worked for this one store and lived to regret it.
My advice is, at least here in the US, is to always keep yourself independent. Depending upon a store, or stores, for employment is not a good idea unless you can keep the clients. Full time employment at a store, with 401K's, health benefits, and such, is rare if at all. If you do find a good situation at a store, go for it. But always have a plan B, which should be your own business and your own customer list.
In Europe, they have a much different system than here. You can't just hang a shingle and call yourself a Piano Technician. You have to have years of apprenticeship and work experience. Not surprisingly, we have lots of "tooners" who don't know what they're doing, and charging as much or more than seasoned techs with decades of experience. So their hiring situation is much different. Maybe some techs on here can shed more light on the situation over there.
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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.compavadasa@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2022 01:10
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Interesting employment issue
At the recent NAMM show I talked with a German technician. He was surprised that most US techs were independant, even store techs.
Apparently in many places in Europe most technicians are employed by dealers with scheduling and billing going through the store.
This system is used by some dealers back east and it is being "explored" here in California.
Most of the hired techs might be younger tuners without clientelle, but then the store will be graced with lots of green techs. Older techs might not be interested in the new deal.
Sort of similar to a university hiring a young guy who has no opportunity to deverlop an outside clintelle.
Any opinions?
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Blaine Hebert RPT
Duarte CA
(626) 795-5170
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