Pianotech

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Post-move inspection

  • 1.  Post-move inspection

    Posted 09-13-2022 18:08

    I was contacted by a national moving firm to inspect a baby grand after a move. The services they're requesting are:
    NORMAL PIANO SERVICE:  Please inspect the piano for any damage (please notate any damage on the piano report form, take pictures, and call CMS to report any damage).  Please unlock the hammers, put the lyre/pedal assembly back on, attach the music stand, and release the key board cover (if applicable).  Test all keys and pedals to verify proper working condition, if not document paperwork and call CMS to report issues. ** Take photos of item prior to servicing and after item is set up for documentation. 

    Has anyone been contacted for a similar job before? I'm not sure how to price or if I even want to get involved. 



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    Melissa Alvarado
    Ludington MI
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  • 2.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Member
    Posted 09-13-2022 18:51
    Sounds like a scam. Did they send any type of paperwork and identify themselves with their name, address, phone number ? If they are a legitimate licensed mover they will be on file in their home state. I have done many inspections but usually contacted by the client or a public adjuster or claims company. When it comes to payment arrangements do not give out your banking information.
    Did you ask them how they found you assuming you got a phone call or has the only contact been by email ?

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 3.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Posted 09-13-2022 19:34
    I thought so too.. I've only been contacted by email but their signature includes the web address

    http://www.custommoversservices.com/, which appears to be legit. I figured they found me on google or through the PTG search but don't know for sure. 



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    Melissa Alvarado
    Ludington MI
    (231) 299-0862
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  • 4.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-13-2022 20:05
    I've done one service for them, no problem.

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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: Post-move inspection

    Member
    Posted 09-13-2022 20:12
    Time out... there was a scam months back about getting a free grand piano if you used the mover the scammer was working with. They had a fake web site that looked real and a nice grand piano sitting in an empty house. Many members in PTG got emails about the "free" piano . If it was legit you probably would get a phone call from the moving company and be given information on the customer. My advice is to decline. because major moving companies are engaged in interstate commerce they need proper credentials, insurance, permits. There are those who are rogues and there are stories about loads being hostage, stolen etc .

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 6.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-13-2022 20:43
    Correction this is who I worked for
    https://mss1.com/

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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-14-2022 00:07
    Melissa

    They are a third-party mover, which means they are a go between a customer and a moving company. They don't actually move furniture. 
    They have a contact page on the web site, including an 800 number. Give them a call and confirm everything. Name of piano, customer's name and address, etc. But, as James said, don't give them your banking information. Let them send you a check or give you their credit card number. 





  • 8.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-14-2022 00:59
    I have worked for companies like this. They usually call me for the first contact. They are kind of like a mover's concierge service and are often hired when a corporation or the federal government is transferring someone. They generally are concerned with providing their service and have always accepted my rates and charges without question. They are being rated by the client. The clients are usually helpful, they aren't paying for it directly anyway.
    I don't think they found you through the PTG search as you don't seem to be a member.
    Lately I've been running into situations where the movers don't set up the piano at all, just leaving grands on their sides so I verify that the piano is set up otherwise I refer them to the piano mover in town. They can set the tuning appointment with me afterwards. 
    I would call them up and have a chat with them first, get a timeline, the piano might not even have arrived yet. Find out how they pay, ask them to forward you the paperwork. Try and find out about the client starting with the location and contact info. Ask them if they can provide you with a reference from another piano tech if you want. Their website is really extensive for a scam, like Wim says, if you call them at least you'll know that they are the ones who contacted you.
    Nowadays when I'm approached by any national business I google the company name and 'reviews'.  This company also has a facebook page you can look at. 
    https://www.google.com/search? q=%22custom+movers+services%22++reviews&ei=WlghY8qFFNCv5NoP4daYuAU&ved=0ahUKEwjKmqHzuJP6AhXQF1kFHWErBlcQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=%22custom+movers+services%22++reviews&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQgAEKIEMgcIABAeEKIEMgUIABCiBDIFCAAQogQ6CggAEEcQ1gQQsAM6BAghEApKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQuAhYhaYBYJurAWgCcAF4AIAB9wGIAfwMkgEFMC4zLjWYAQCgAQHIAQXAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

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    Steven Rosenthal RPT
    Honolulu HI
    (808) 521-7129
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  • 9.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Member
    Posted 09-14-2022 06:21
    Spot on info and advice from Wim.

    Deb






  • 10.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-14-2022 00:46
    Sounds like a scam to me. If you think it’s possibly a real company and want to try, have them call you and tell them you need payment up front and only take money orders or cashier’s checks. That will probably scare them off but if it doesn’t at least you have some level of protection.


    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com




  • 11.  RE: Post-move inspection

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-14-2022 07:03
    I've had a couple of these sort if things lately. I have declined to get involved.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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