Professional Services vs. Price

From The American Horologist magazine, January 1942

Professional Services vs. Price

(Letter from F. C. Sheldon of Anthony, Kansas to Peacocks, of Wichita, Kansas, in protest of their cutrate or standard repair prices advertised.) 


"Dear Sirs:

Excuse my forwardness and if I am mistaken correct me, Perhaps I am stepping out of my field and 'sticking my neck out.' "When I consider the cost of having my watch repaired. I cannot help but remember the character of the professional service I am about to employ. To provide that service competently, the professional watch repair man must spend years in acquiring the knowledge, experience, and skill that is needed. Much money must be invested in precision instruments and -equipment.


"I remember, too, that in all professions prices must be in a measure, commensurate with the services rendered. Incompetent men have to sell their services for less. No one knows what a product or service is worth better than the man who is selling the product of service.


"Why advertise that your watch repairers are not up to average and must therefore sell their professional services below the average."