best way of selling old piano?

[Ashmil]

hello folks

I'll start out by saying I don't know much about pianos to be honest, only how to play them.

I wish to sell my old piano, an upright about 15 years old. The make is Gebr. Neindorf. I have no idea what the best way to go about selling it, or getting it priced. Ideally I'd like to get as much as possible for it! Could anyone give me any recommendations?

I'm in the UK by the way.

[cysoto]

There are many things to consider when it comes time to buy or, in your case, sell a piano.  To get a general idea of what you should be looking into in terms of pricing and overall value you might want to check Larry Fine's "THE PIANO BOOK".  The book gives an idea of things to look for in a piano if you were in the market to purchase a used unit. In your case you can use this information as the seller and it will help you decide your pricing according to the condition of the unit.  

You can also have a technician take a look at your piano and they can tell you what the market value of this unit will be in your particular area.  Here in the United States (at least in my State of Colorado) they charge $100 to $150 for looking at the piano and giving you an appraisal.  Believe me, this is money well spent...

Another thing that you may want to consider is putting your piano in consignment with one of the piano retailers in your area.  You can expect to a small percentage of the sale but you let them show it off.  The only problem with this is that, if you can't buy a new piano right away (beause you need the funds from your old piano), you won't be doing a lot of practice for a little while.

Good luck with your sale!!

[westman]

Check out your local classified ads, and eBay. I sold a 20 year old piano for $600 that cost me $2000 originally and needed work. If its in any kind of good condition it should hold its value pretty well. If the exterior is in good shape, all the keys work, and it holds its tune, you should do OK. Most people looking for "starter" pianos are in the $500 - $1000 range. I don't know anything about the make you have, but if its a better quality piano, you should be able to get more.

[donjuan]

I second cysoto.

Get a look at Larry Fine's book.  If it werent for his advice, I would be more than 2000 $ poorer right now.

donjuan

[Shagdac]

Just wanted to add, that an alternative to actually selling (if you can't get what you are asking), is to "trade". Most all piano stores around here will accept and give very fair trade in value for from used pianos. So if you are in the market for a new piano, or to upgrade this is also an option. You are getting something of monetary value for your piano, without actually having to go thru the selling process.

S

[donjuan]

Just wanted to add, that an alternative to actually selling (if you can't get what you are asking), is to "trade". Most all piano stores around here will accept and give very fair trade in value for from used pianos. So if you are in the market for a new piano, or to upgrade this is also an option. You are getting something of monetary value for your piano, without actually having to go thru the selling process.

S

Usually, stores, depending on how corrupt they are, will give you the worst possible price, and somehow charm you into thinking you are getting a good price.  Have a look at Fine's book--? he enters the mentality of the piano salesman and finds all the little tricks they use.  After a read through, you notice everything and can see through them like crystal!

I only say this because there is one dealership in my city where the place seems to be run by mafia guys and they say stuff to me like, "Im gonna make ya an offer ya cant refuse!!!", and then he gets out an orange and sticks it into his mouth.

donjuan

[Ashmil]

that there is some good advice.

thanks for your help folks, I will try and get hold of that book and speak to a piano tuner!

[classicarts]

Try Ebay online auction and other online auction sites.  Local newspapers is also a good source.  Dealers will take you for a ride with a trade-ins.  So, if you have time to spare, sell it privately.