Selling Your Steinway
When it is time to sell a Steinway, you have several routes, and the right one depends on how quickly you want to sell and how much effort you want to put in.
We are Yamaha specialists, so we are not usually the buyer for a Steinway, but here is an honest run through the options.
Private sale
The most money, the most effort. You advertise, field enquiries, host viewings, and sort out moving and payment. Best if you are patient and the piano is desirable. Be ready for a serious buyer to want a technician’s inspection.
Sell to a dealer
The quickest and easiest route. A dealer pays a trade price, below retail, because they take on the cost, the risk and any restoration, then have to sell it on. You get certainty and no hassle. Get more than one offer.
Auction
Fast, but unpredictable, and fees eat into the result. Specialist piano or fine-art auctions do better than general ones. Best for unusual or very high-end pianos.
Part-exchange
If you are buying another piano, the seller may take yours in part-exchange. Convenient, though rarely the top price. Always worth asking.