Re: To all Techs

[Bob Schleicher <bobs@dnai.com>]

At 09:22 PM 10/29/96 -0500, you wrote:
>If you haven't gotten to fed up with my lamenting...
>
>I am asking as a last gasp, for the techs on the list to provide there
>charges for me.  Perhapes I am laging well behind the industry? 
>Perhapes not.  But still this Info *might* save MOS, so please, jot doen
>your rates and send them to me, I assure you I will keep them
>confidential.
>
>Thank you.
>

Ted:  I'm sorry to hear that business is not booming.  There are a lot of
fine techs in the field and a whole lot of not so fine ones too.  In this
area, the San Francisco Bay Area, there used to be around 20 techs, now
around 5.

Your rates must be competative or you would not have lasted as long as you
have.  The highest priced guy isn't used and the lowest priced, not trusted.
In my 30 years in the field, I've observed the following things, but don't
imply they apply to you:

Some don't have the necessary skills either electronically, mechanically or
socially.  Remember, a great deal of the time it's the customer who needs
fixing and good workmanship really separates the men from the boys.

Many don't keep their skill level current and get locked into only older
products. As much as I would like to work only on Hammonds and Leslies, it's
unrealistic to think other brands don't need service too.  I know of two
techs that left the field when automatic rhythm came in.  Said it was too
complicated to fix!

Some make a dollar and spend two.  Luxury items come only after your test
equipment, inventory and other necessary business items are at an acceptable
level and a few months working capital is on hand.  A good month can look
really bad when you consider taxes, insurance, fuel etc.  Obviously, costs
vary from area to area.  I'm sure you wouldn't believe the cost of doing
business in this area.  Astronomical insurance rates, high State taxes and
gasoline prices about .20 per gal. higher than the rest of the Country.

A lot don't keep appointments on time, don't schedule efficiently and almost
refuse to take care of the few inevitable call-backs.

Many only fix the customers complaint and don't bother to check the entire
organ.  You're going back to fix the other problems for free if you don't
find them when you're there initially. A routine call may be turned into a
really profitable one by doing a complete job and the customer will
appreciate your thoroughness.

In my area the ratio of techs seems about right at the time.  Most of us
have about a 2 - 3 week backlog.  I think this is typical for a metropolitan
area. I do try and keep a little "flex time" for emergencies.

What are my rates?  Who knows.  There are some very poor, old time customers
I charge very little.  Some, I do for free.  These folks are one of my
greatest sources of referrals.  Sometimes a customer is a total pest or
jerk.  These folks pay a tad more.  Work for School districts and other
Gov't. jobs where you need multiple copies of everything to several people
and then wait months for your money is also more expensive.

My rate for shop work is $75.00 per hour charged in 15min. increments, with
a $45.00 minimum.  For outside service within 15 miles from home base, 85.00
for the call, including the first 1/2 hour and $75.00 per hr. thereafter.
Mileage is charged at $1.00 per mile, one way.  My rates are not the highest
in the area, but I keep busy too.

I sure wish you well.  It's not easy for ANY small business today.
Government seems to forget that we provide 2/3 of the nation's jobs.
Remember too that if you move to a new area, it takes a LONG time to gain
acceptance and make a decent living.  When I first hung out my shingle, Wow
- what a shock.  No money came in in buckets.  I actually played the dreaded
organ bars for a few years to get by.  "It haddabe u" in F for the town
drunk to sing to, "Always" in C for a blue haired goddess.  Oh well, the
tips were nice.

Best of luck to our Brother of the bench.
Bob S.

Fax:  (510) 530-3228
E-Mail:  bobs@dnai.com
Shop phone: (510) 530-0112