Ben,
Yes, you can leave one day open. I've started leaving one day a week open for various reasons: my wife is returning to the office and the dog needs someone around. I need time for Journal editing. And, it's good to have a "makeup" day to schedule if I get sick or have to cancel tunings.
But…this comes with a penalty because it eliminates 20% of my weekly income unless I cram more tunings into the other days. It's ok for me, but it may turn out to be wasted time for some if they can't schedule for that day.
And, remember that many customers on subscription might not be available on YOUR designated day, especially as the world returns to the office.
This just seems like a can of worms.
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2022 10:31
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Subscription-Based Business Model
Peter,
I've never considered the pay what you can / want model. That's an interesting concept that I'd also be interested in hearing about from someone who's tried it.
Haha, maybe we should rename this thread "alternate business models."
Scott,
Those are two of my concerns as well. At least in my mind, one would have to get the piano into a decent condition before offering the subscription service. And there would definitely have to be limits on what's included and what's not (sticking keys yes, new hammers no, etc.).
As far as scheduling, that's a good point. Maybe keep one day a week open for subscription clients?
Maybe one of the business guys has heard of this and can provide more details?
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2022 10:12
From: Scott Cole
Subject: Subscription-Based Business Model
Ben,
Is it the same as a concierge service? It's crossed my mind as well, but I see two possible outcomes:
1. The customer nags the technician constantly, calling them over for every little thing in an attempt to get their money's worth.
2. The customer under-utilizes the technician and cancels the following year (or month).
The question is how to get just the right amount of utilization to make it worth it for both.
The other question is scheduling: if your schedule is full weeks or months out, what do you tell a subscription customer who wants a tuning tomorrow? They'll probably feel they now own you.
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Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2022 09:04
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Subscription-Based Business Model
Has anyone tried to offer a subscription based business model for piano care, as opposed to the usual business model of only getting paid when the client calls you? A local doctor in this area started doing this instead of the usual doctor office business model. It seems to be working out for him.
Thinking it through, there could be some major benefits to offering a monthly subscription. With that said, I can see that there might be some issues with trying something like this for piano service. I'm wanting to hear from someone with experience trying a subscription based business model. Please feel free to PM me with you'd rather talk offline.
Thanks!
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Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
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