Piano Prices Relative to Retail

[GJB]

This is my first time posting, but have been reading all the wonderful posts here for over a year. My question is this: Is there a typical relationship between stated retail price and the actual price you can expect to pay? I know that there is as much as a 40% reduction in retail price for some instruments.  My interest is in Bosendorfer, so any information relative to that particular company would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Gary

[dinosaurtales]

You've probably seen this in posts already, but there is an excellent book by Larry Fine called the Piano Book, where he describes all the manufactuers, models, and gives some basic information about discounts.  It varies by brand, and by the specific market at the time.  For instance, here in Portland last January, if you wanted a Bosendorfer of any kind you could have made a killing - I think the local dealer got a line on several with massive discounts, and was able to sell some for 60 -70% off *list*.  That's not alwayw the case, though, and it's a matter of really shopping and getting to know your dealers the best you can.  At one point you will just sort of *know* what a reasonable asking price will be on a piano, then you can get a good deal.  But it takes research.  The book gives a good start!

[GJB]

Thanks so much!  I appreciate the in depth reply.  I'll check that book out, and just use your numbers as a bench mark in what is possible as a discount.

[dinosaurtales]

ACK!  Just bear in mind that those numbers would be the *rare* instance.  You would be considered *lucky* to get that kind of discount, but they do occur if you have lots of time.  I spent a year and a half shopping for mine but not everybody has that kind of time.  The book give more realistic numbers based on the type of piano, and brand, etc.

Good luck!  I really enjoyed the shopping - it was a fun project!