Hi all,  Wow, I had no idea my little posting would create such a long
thread!  I thought I would share the following story after reading
Bill Maguire's posting where he notes his place in the "pecking order."

Years ago, at a PTG chapter meeting, a discussion started about
encouraging new piano tuners and encouraging them to join the Guild.
One member related that when he was first learning the business, while
still holding a "day job" (I think he was a school teacher), some other
members complained that he was 'stealing' business from those who were
relying on it for their sole income.

"Okay," he told them, "tell me what do you charge, and I will charge
more.  Will that work?"  (Note: it is technically illegal for members
to compare charges as it can be construed as "price fixing".)  They all
thought that would work, as the higher price would encourage folks to
have someone else tune their piano.

So the next week he got a call, "How much do you charge?"  He stated
his new rate and the caller said, "Wow, that's $10 more than Mr. XYZ!
You must be really good, when can you come?"

Don'tcha love human logic?!

David Dewey