I am baffled by the recent discussions concerning ordering piano
supplies and the request from suppliers that buyers present them
with information on letterhead.  This is a standard request from
vendors; there is nothing unusual about it.  Companies that
request you send them the information on letterhead simply want
some verification that you represent a legitimate business
interest.  They will normally accept your information on a good
faith basis without question, unless there are obvious
discrepancies or dubious facts presented.  If you've provided
them with straight-forward information, you should have nothing
to worry about.

Students and staff in our office are constantly ordering research
supplies.  We frequently receive requests from vendors for our
sales tax exempt number or Federal Employer Identification Number
(FEIN).  If it is the first that an order has been placed with a
supplier, the company usually asks for general information (name,
business name, address, phone and fax numbers, etc.).  Many will
take this information over the phone, but certain companies
prefer something in writing, e.g., a standard form that all buyers
must complete.  It is merely a standard operating procedure, nothing
to raise your blood pressure about.

Suppliers need some mechanism for separating those who are
seriously involved in a business, such as piano repair, from
those who are merely trolling for any opportunity they can find.
Respectable companies will have more confidence in an individual
who takes the time to write a letter that is neatly printed, than
one who scribbles a quick note on crumpled paper.  With all the
advanced word processing and desktop publishing programs
available today, it is not difficult to create a professional-
looking letter.  That is not fraud; it is presenting oneself well
in a professional manner.

There are many other business ventures that are more lucrative
than piano repair.  Because of this, I don't believe that there
are many people who would truly misrepresent themselves to piano
supply companies for personal gain. The profitability aspect just
isn't there.

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange * Buy - Sell - Trade *
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~brite/