February 23, 2012

Research is “key” to selling and delivering a second hand piano!

I’m trying to sell my piano on eBay.  Actually, I don’t mind where I sell it as long as the wretched thing disappears from my hall!  Surely someone out there in the Online Shopping world wants a “Learner’s piano” that fits under the stairs?  Having said that, it’s not as simple as it might appear to shift the thing.  I know nothing about shipping companies and, unless I put “Buyer collect” – which is bound to put people off, I feel I should do some research so that I can offer a “complete purchasing experience”!

Should I entrust my baby to “Anyvan”?  Maybe the http://www.pianomovingcompany.com/ would be a good bet?  It takes only a small slip and a piano could possibly be damaged and unplayable.  Whose responsibility would that be, mine, the Shipping companies or the Buyers?  If I employ one of the many shipping companies that know how to move a piano and safely transport it to its new home, will it be extortionately expensive.  I’m only expecting to get around £700 for the thing!  Most shipping companies promise that they will treat my piano as a unique and valuable item and are fully insured.

I have researched a few online shopping sites other than eBay on which to advertise.  www.preloved.co.uk – the joy of second hand is one possibility.  http://www.musicinstrument.biz/index.htm looks interesting and there’s also http://www.piano-tuners.org/used-pianos-for-sale.  The problem of selecting one of many shipping companies remains though.  Still, one step at a time, let’s bait the hook online and see who bites.