In response to Bob Taylor's posting in the 130315 MMD about how to
handle "Unforeseen Circumstances" when making an estimate for repair,
I would suggest that he consider presenting his Estimate as a
"Guesstimate", with the explanation (addendum) that experience has
shown that there is almost always some unknown, unforeseen, problem
that will rear its ugly little head to complicate the repair.  That
"known unknown" will most likely add to the cost of the repair.  We
know something unforeseen is going to happen; we just don't know what
it will be.

You can also build in a reserve into your estimate/guesstimate, and
then, if you don't encounter any unforeseen circumstances, the client
will be most pleased to pay a lower-than-expected amount.

The other avenue of approach is to explain that non-functioning or
malfunctioning mechanical musical mechanisms are very much like cars
that won't start.  The lights won't come on; so we install a new
battery.  Now the lights come on, but the car still won't start.
However, now that the electrical system has been restored, we see that
the gas gauge reads empty; so we add gas.  But it still doesn't start;
so we begin looking at other items that might cause the car not to
work.  Even after we find out what the problems were and get the car
started, we may then find that it runs very rough or it doesn't sound
very good.  Then we need to determine what other adjustments are
needed, and advise what those might cost.

Don Caine
The Music Box Repair Center Unlimited
Lomita, CA