Purchasing pianos for studio use

[wunderlich]

I am opening a music studio and have begun the process of shopping for instruments. The variety of choices and prices is staggering, which makes the process of establishing a budget incredibly dififcult. I could consider purchasing four well regarded workhorses (such as the Yamaha U-1) or I could shoot for a respectable grand and three more modest uprights (perhaps Young Chang BE121?).  Then again, there is no point in purchasing a modest grand piano just for the sake of having a grand. I've also seen some reconditioned U-1s that might be worth considering and there are probably other used instruments worth considering. Needless to say, the salesmen aren't making this process any easier.

It comes down to this: I do have budget constraints, but I do not want to be cheap and make a purchase that will give me a decade of buyer's remorse.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[quantum]

Search for used pianos, and maybe try to get a bit higher quality.  As for the grand, I'd say go for it.  You want an instrument that your students can look forward to playing, and once they reach a certain level you can still continue to teach them without being impeded by an instrument's quality. 

[Axtremus]

If the pianos are what you'll be relying on to make money, I'd say go with the workhorses. If you are going to teach advanced students (say, after ABRSM Grade , then a grand piano is a good idea. If you're only teaching young children and beginners, a grand is not crucial. Just my two cents.