Whether you’re parting with a family heirloom or making space in your home, this guide will help you navigate the process, and answer your queries relating to how to sell a piano.
Selling a piano is not just about finding a buyer; it’s about understanding the instrument’s value, presenting it in the best light, and ensuring it finds a new home where it will be cherished!
How to Sell a Piano: Full Guide 2024
Contents
Selling a Piano Locally
Selling a piano within your local community can be both convenient and cost-effective. By eliminating the need for long-distance shipping and facilitating face-to-face interactions with potential buyers, you can ensure a smoother transaction.
Selling locally will also allow you to meet potential buyers, who can come to inspect the instrument at your home.
This will help to ensure you are happy with the buyer and can trust that it is going to a new owner who will look after and cherish the instrument.
Here’s some more tips for selling locally:
Know Your Instrument
Before putting a piano up for sale, it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate the instrument and its brand. Most pianos come with a brand label, serial number, and model number.
However, given that model numbers have been consistent over many years, they alone don’t provide a complete picture.
That’s where the serial number becomes essential. It can pinpoint the exact year of manufacture for your piano. This detail is vital since piano-making techniques and designs evolve.
For instance, a piano made before 1960 might have ivory keys but share its model number with a 2019 version. Differences might also exist in the wood finish, internal components, and even the production facility.
Some features might be exclusive to older models, potentially influencing the instrument’s value. For grand pianos, the serial number is typically found on the cast iron plate. It’s often a lengthy number but is printed large enough to read.
In contrast, upright pianos also have serial numbers, usually located either beneath the keyboard or inside the piano, right below the lid.
If online searches don’t yield the information you need, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer. They can offer insights into the piano’s construction, its history, and even help verify its authenticity.
Research the Local Market
Before setting a price, familiarize yourself with the local demand for pianos similar to yours. Browse local classifieds, and online marketplaces, and even visit music stores to gauge the going rate.
Facebook Marketplace is a popular choice for buying and selling all kinds of instruments, including pianos of all types.
Prepare Your Piano
A well-maintained piano is more attractive to buyers. Clean it thoroughly, polish any visible surfaces, and consider getting it professionally tuned. If there are minor repairs needed, address them.
Create an Engaging Listing
Capture clear, well-lit high-quality photos from various angles. Highlight unique features or intricate details. Tell potential buyers how many years you have owned it, how many owners it has had, and how it sounds to you.
Your piano’s unique characteristics and sound will attract buyers and you should make them WANT to come and test it.
Mention the brand, model, age, size, color, and any other relevant details. Always be transparent about any damages or issues. Research your piano and make sure you know its details and specifications.
Pricing and Negotiation
Based on your market research, set a competitive yet fair price. Be open to negotiations but know your bottom line. Remember, it’s easier to offer a discount later than to increase the price.
Generally, older pianos tend to fetch a lower price than newer ones, given the advancements in piano-making technology. However, some enthusiasts might be drawn to older models for their unique characteristics and distinct sound.
Consider these costs as an investment. If you’re selling a piano for $500, it’s not wise to pay for moving and tuning, as you’ll lose profit.
However, for high-end brands like Steinway or Yamaha priced at $20,000, covering these costs can be justified, aiming for a net profit of $18,000-$19,000. Ultimately, a sold piano is preferable to an unsold one.
You could offer to cover the cost of piano tuning and moving the piano to attract potential buyers. Piano tuning typically costs $150, but this varies based on the brand and additional services like voicing or key adjustments.
Local piano moves within 30-45 miles usually cost a flat $500. Long-distance moves will cost more. Consider this when deciding whether to cover moving fees, especially for distant buyers.
Sweeten the Deal
Additional perks could include repertoire books, metronomes, cleaning supplies, or a year’s free maintenance. These extras make your offer more attractive, but ensure they don’t put you at a financial loss.
Buyers are drawn to the sound and feel of the piano, not just the price. When they visit, share the piano’s story, its strengths, and even its weaknesses. The more informed a buyer feels, the more confident they’ll be in their purchase.
Advertising
Promote Your Listing / Run Ads
Utilize local classifieds, community bulletin boards, social media groups, and word of mouth. An open house or viewing session can also be beneficial.
Popular online marketplaces for pianos include:
Other options include:
- Print Ads: Less targeted but cost-effective. They can run longer but might reach fewer potential buyers.
- Local Shops: Approach music stores to list your piano on their website or leave flyers at their counter.
- Budget: Determine your advertising spend to avoid cutting into profits. Online ads, though potentially pricier, can offer better targeting and wider reach.
Connect with Technicians and Piano Tuners
- Technicians and tuners often know potential buyers or might be interested themselves.
- They have extensive client lists and can refer someone interested.
- Consider offering them a commission or free services if they help sell your piano. Collaborative selling can be beneficial.
Local Stores that Purchase Used Pianos
- Some local stores can sell your piano for a fee or buy it directly.
- Direct sales to stores might fetch a lower price. For instance, a $5,000 upright might be bought for just $500 by a store.
- Selling privately can get you 40-60% of the original value, especially for well-maintained pianos.
- Luxury brand-specific stores might offer better prices.
Donation
- If unable to sell, consider donating to churches, schools, or music therapy centers.
- Don’t donate out of frustration; pianos can take time to sell due to their significant investment nature. If the price is right, the right buyer will come along.
How to Sell a Used Piano
The market for used pianos is vast, but selling a pre-owned instrument comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to ensure your used piano finds the right buyer:
Assess Your Piano’s Condition
Before listing, understand the overall condition of your piano. This includes checking for damages, tuning stability, and any worn-out parts.
Professional Appraisal
If you’re uncertain about your piano’s value, seek a professional appraisal. This not only helps in pricing but also instills confidence in potential buyers. Also, having your instrument inspected and certified can help to attract buyers.
A piano with a rich history or unique story can be a selling point. Whether it’s been in the family for generations or was used in notable performances, share these anecdotes.
Offer Assurance
Consider offering the piano for practice. If potential buyers can come to your home and sit at the piano for a time, to play the instrument and appreciate how it sounds, this will make a big difference to them.
This can give potential buyers peace of mind. It will demonstrate your confidence in the instrument’s quality, and allow them to warm up to it before they make the decision to purchase it.
Transparency is Key
Always be upfront about the piano’s history, including any repairs, damages, or modifications. Providing maintenance records can also be a testament to its upkeep.
More Sales Advice
By this point, you should have a lot of information about your instrument. You know where it was made, the year it was produced, and how much it sold for when it was new.
You should have researched your piano or similar models to see what others are selling it for. For example, if someone is selling a similar Steinway to yours for $25,000, then you could undercut them and sell it for $22k or 23k.
If you feel your instrument is more valuable because of the finish on the wood casing then you could sell it for more. Rebuilt pianos will always sell for more because it’s essentially a brand-new instrument after the rebuild.
If you have a quality piano like a Steinway that’s been rebuilt, it may be worth investing in a rebuild if you feel you can fetch much higher profits in the long run.
The following piano brands typically fetch the highest used sale prices.
- Steinway
- Bechstein
- Baldwin
- Yamaha
- Bosendorfer
- Kawaiim
- Fazioli
- Mason & Hamlin
- Schimmel
These brands are renowned for their performance quality, especially when well-maintained, allowing for a premium asking price. If you have one of these in your possession then it’s easier to ask for a higher price.
Diversify Your Listings
Don’t rely solely on eBay. Different online platforms like Facebook and Craigslist cater to varied demographics. For maximum exposure, also post on piano forums. Remember to account for any listing fees in your budget.
Leverage Personal Connections
Selling to family or friends can simplify logistics like moving the piano. However, they might expect a significant discount. Stand firm on the value of your instrument, even with close acquaintances.
Provide a Comfortable Testing Environment
Avoid hovering over potential buyers while they play. I’ve encountered sales reps who interrupt the testing process, which can be off-putting. Allow buyers to revisit and test the piano multiple times; sales often don’t occur immediately.
Be polite and respectful. Offer your guest a beverage, a tea or coffee for example (and a biscuit). Make them feel comfortable in your home and give them time to play the instrument, so they fall in love with it and you can secure a sale!
Be Open to Negotiation
When setting your asking price, aim for 10-15% above your desired amount. This strategy often results in a final price 5-10% above your target, satisfying both you and the buyer.
Patience Is KEY!
Selling a piano isn’t always quick. If your initial listing doesn’t yield results, re-evaluate aspects like photos, listing details, and pricing. Adjust and relist as necessary.
Remember that selling a piano is a marathon, not a sprint. Adjust your strategy based on feedback and stay patient.
Piano Features
There’s a lot that determines the price of a piano. Here are a few things to think about:
- Instrument finish
- Custom features like legs, fallboard, bench, and music stand
- Unique engravings or artwork
- Signatures from technicians or builders
- Cosmetic condition, including any damage
- Functionality of pedals and keys
Upright Pianos and Older Piano
Upright pianos over 30-40 years old can be challenging to sell due to potential wear and tear affecting functionality. Similarly, grand pianos over 50 years old, unless luxury models like Steinway or Yamaha, may not fetch high prices.
However, vintage Steinways from the 1800s can sometimes rival the prices of new models. On the other hand, grand pianos older than 50 years old often don’t sell for a high price unless it is a luxury model like a Steinway or Yamaha.
Conclusion
Successfully selling a piano requires research, preparation, and effective communication.
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to get a fair price for your instrument. You will also ensure your beloved instrument finds a new home where its musical journey can continue!
