The Squeaky Horn

Size up Squeaky Horn - Musical-instrument repair shop - Owned and managed by Decker and two partners who are recognized by their exacting repair work and attention to detail - The company has lowered price for minor repairs for the first time in 10 years to attract repair job and avoid layoffs - Takes minor adjustments and major overhauls jobs country-wide - Four main services: major and minor repairs and restorations of band instruments (e.g., saxophones and French horns); major and minor repairs and restorations of orchestral instruments (e.g., violins and cellos) - Major repairs and restorations were performed by three owners - Minor repairs of band instruments were performed by hourly employees - Minor repairs of orchestral instruments were performed by three full-time salaried employees

Eugene Decker - Part owner of the Squeaky Horn - Responsible for setting the charges for various types of repairs Industry - Best Instrument Repair has lower price and good service - Opened across town, provides fierce competition Prices - Minor band instruments $35/hr - Minor orchestral instruments $32.5/hr - Major repairs and restorations: individual flat fee arrangements that were quoted to customers based on the type of work needed for each instrument - Rush jobs, local customers only, occasionally performed by a retired employee with $25/hr, average flat-fee: $150, average completion time: 3 hr.