Starting A Piano Shop

[esoteric]

Hi all,

I have plans to start a store buying and selling used (and sometimes new) pianos in the UK. I just wanted some advice from someone with some insight into this area, ideally someone who has done or is doing the same thing.

In particular, does anyone have any idea on how to source pianos directly from the manufacturer at a reduced price?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[indianajo]

Go to the annual NAMM convention.  Talk to the factory representatives - they are in the mood, there.
Have your letter of credit handy. 

[visitor]

you likely would not be able to buy the volume needed to get the reduction you are probably looking for, usually distributors might, you may need to approach a distributor for a brand(s) and see if they can leverage their volume buying and still get you a good deal.

[esoteric]

Thanks a bunch for the advice guys. Anyone else?

[klavieronin]

I don't have any advice about piano stores specifically but as someone who's family is in the retail industry all I can say is brace yourself. It is really, really, really difficult to run a successful retail store. I don't know where you are but I think in the US something like 80% of new businesses close in their first year. Make sure you do your research, not just about how to get pianos but costs of operation, delivery, business management software, legal and tax considerations, basically everything you will need to do and know to actually run the business. And good luck.

[esoteric]

I don't have any advice about piano stores specifically but as someone who's family is in the retail industry all I can say is brace yourself. It is really, really, really difficult to run a successful retail store. I don't know where you are but I think in the US something like 80% of new businesses close in their first year. Make sure you do your research, not just about how to get pianos but costs of operation, delivery, business management software, legal and tax considerations, basically everything you will need to do and know to actually run the business. And good luck.

Thanks klavieronin, that's a useful bit of advice.

[huaidongxi]

esoteric, do you yourself possess rebuilding expertise, or experience and training in tuning, refining, and repairing pianos ?  it's difficult to conceive how you'd be able to compete in the used piano market if you did not.  have you had success with selling new pianos for other established dealers ?  sometimes that is how retailers get their start.  buona fortuna with your endeavours.

[bee1234]

be so honest, start a music store is my dream job too  but as a musician student  dont take the risk its just like gambing, if i were you , i would rather start a online music store to sell thing at internet ,you can order thing from china tabao those piece place you can order less  because if you are bad luck the people feel its too expensive ,even the location is good  they wont buy it, in our area as I  know so far usa or canada every year music insturment is very expensive, they are rare to have big sale thats why they use marketing sale like coupon to get more customer, sorry my english is  poor t not the best but hopefully the information is detail enough to help!!!!
bach