How do the gas prices affect what you do?

[Mike Kolb]

Seems to be 'topic #1' on the news these days, so I thought it'd be interesting to throw it out there.

I live in a rural area. A typical repair scenario goes like this: one of the music stores that I do repairs for will call with a repair. We chat a moment to get some details and I'll agree to do it (or not) and give a rough on-the-phone estimate, subject to change when the instrument's in-hand.  I try to "bundle" trips into town (it's a 40 mile round-trip drive) combining grocery shopping or whatever with instrument pickup. If there's two to pick-up, so much the better. 

It's a balancing act. If I wait too long to make the gas-burning drive, the store and the instrument owner get a bit antsy. If I go pick it up immediately, everybody's happy except my gas tank.  Experience has taught me that folks are mostly unwilling to drive to my home shop because of the distance, so I'm expected to get the instrument. But now that we're all looking-down the barrel of $5/gal gasoline, my rates will have to reflect that... further discouraging business.   

So what's your take on the gasoline prices and how do they affect your business?

[Mark Wallace]

Mike, I have similar circumstances and have a few stores where I pickup and deliver instruments. You'll probably need to figure the actual fuel cost per round trip and figure that into your pricing. If you are pickup up more than one instrument then you can spread that cost out. I also track my mileage for tax purposes. Many of my smaller retail store customers have closed since the big box stores moved in but fortunately my number individual clients have grown substantially and I am having to travel less. As your reputation grows, more people will be happy to make the drive.

[Mike Kolb]

Thanks for the good thoughts, Mark and, while I agree with the shift toward repeat customers willing to travel, that aspect seems to have leveled-off for me. Most customers really like dropping-off their instruments at stores near them and, with gas prices as they are, that's actually increasing.   My reputation has grown, but it seems to work in reverse as far as the driving goes.... if the customer knows I'll be doing the work, they feel more comfortable leaving the instrument at the store close to them, knowing it'll be in safe hands. 

The idea of smaller stores closing would be terrible in general, but good for me:) as the customer would be almost forced to bring the instrument to me. But these stores have been a godsend for my business, so I shan't wish any ill fortune upon them.  It's a conundrum for sure, but we'll all get through it one way or another. 

[bob macorcinaail]

I Drive a Go cart now