A bit of a dilemma with my *rental* piano

[m1469]

I am *renting* a piano from a local shop and all the money that I put into renting it will go toward a purchase of that piano or a different piano at the shop.  BUT, I don't want to purchase the piano I am renting.

Here is the situation :

A beautiful and rare (rare as in unique and unusual, not as in steak (just in case anybody was wondering) he he) porcelain vase *accidentally*  "fell" onto the piano, bounced off the piano and onto the bench and then onto the floor (I did not throw the vase out of musical anger, I swear  ).  Anyway, the piano got chipped, the bench got chipped and the beautiful and rare vase broke  .

What the heck should I do ?  Should I tell the people and expect that some of what I have been paying in rent will go toward fixing it ?  Or maybe I should just buy that one when it comes time (even though I loathe it).

Advices are much appreciated.


m1469 

[xvimbi]

Definitely, don't buy that piano if you don't like it. I guess, you have to just suck it up. Do you have any insurance that might cover damges like that (without raising the premium)?

[m1469]

hmmmm, maybe.  I am not sure but I will look into that.  I am kind of thinking "No" though.  I am wondering what normally happens in these situations... it happens to other people too, right  :- ?

[jr11]

No different than renting or leasing a vehicle... on return, it needs to be free of scratches and dents. If you choose to return it, you will be liable for the repairs. I'm sure it states that in your rental contract. It is doubtful there is more than a couple hundred dollars damage, and certainly not worth making a home insurance claim.... unless of course, you are going to make a claim for the vase at the same time, then it would be part of the same claim. Don't be suprised if there are some questions on how the 'accident' happened, and remember that lying for insurance money is fraud, and a criminal offence (complete with criminal record).

[m1469]

he he, okay.  Well, I truly DID NOT throw it and it truly was an accident.  I just couldn't resist raising suspicions (sometimes it is just fun to be suspicious I guess  ).  Thanks 

[jeremyjchilds]

You'll just have to pay some money to have it fixed, then get the piano you really want!

What was the finish of the piano??

[pianopitchman]

m1469,

If you decide to purchase a different piano from the same dealer, you may find that they will look the other way about the scratch if it is something that is easily repaired by them.
Most importantly though, just be up front and honest with them.  I am sure they will treat you well as every potential customer is very importan to a dealer.

[thalberg]

Yes, I totally agree with pianopitchman.  If you intend to buy from them, they'll be just so nice to you.  The love when people buy from them.  Do not buy the piano that you loathe.  Oh, don't!  I had a loathsome piano myself for six years and I suffered so much!  Nobody knows or understands how I suffered!  Get rid of the bad piano.  Do it now, actually.

Anyway, damage to the finish shouldn't be nearly as upsetting for the dealer as damage to the soundboard or keys or action.  They'll fix the finish, no problem.

[m1469]

Okay, the last two posts are very encouraging, though I am not one to really get my hopes up about anything  .

I am not sure what kind of finish it is, "super duper shiney" ?  Is that one ?  I do think it only got the finish on the piano but the bench has a true chip out of the wood, not real big, but it's there.  I will be up front and honest with them, I am convinced.

I guess we'll just see then what they do...

Thanks a lot for all of your responses, I feel a little better now.


m1469