Klarinet Archive - Posting 000638.txt from 1996/01

From: Steve Fowler <"Steve Fowler"@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: learn to repad clarinet
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 11:25:26 -0500

Dr. Lacy said:
CUT -----
> Don't forget that instrument repair is a profession requiring a certain
> level of skill and training, and an instrument repairer is entitled to
> make a comfortable living, too. And, not all of the money you pay for
> repairs goes directly into the repair person's pocket. There are
> overhead costs, costs of utilities, tools, supplies and equipment, and
> perhaps costs of doing business, such as advertising, accounting, etc.
>
> However, on the other side of the coin, I do feel that at the rates we
> have to pay for competent repairs, we deserve and should insist on
> excellence in the results.

Dr. Lacy,

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. I have had to raise my rates a
couple of times in the last 10 years or so. The major reason was the
cost of doing business went up, mainly rent. Warehouse rentals in
our area went from $4/sq. ft. up to $8/sq. ft. in a matter of 5 or 6
years. Our hourly rate has been $40 for about the last 8 years. The
local auto shop is up to $58.50 plus a 10% shop supplies fee on top
of that essentially making it $64.00 per hour. Should I raise my
rates?

As for insisting on good service; you should expect as much from your
tech's work as your listeners expect from yours. Perfection should
always be the goal. We have a saying around here that was coined by
a former employee, "The difficult we do immediately; the impossible
just takes a little longer."

Thank you.

Steve

Steve Fowler (sfowler@-----.com)