Joshua: I'll pretend it is ok to put this information on the list. I have been renting pianos for 3 and half years, and currently have 60 pianos out, and 20 more in stock. I base my rental fee on the retail price of the piano, paid off over 5 years at 18% interest. The retail price is on the high side, in that I will give a discount to someone who wants to buy it for cash. I charge the customer for moving both ways up front. I do not get a security deposit, and do not run a credit check. I assume that 99% of the poeple who are interested enough to get into music, for themselves, or ther kids, are honest. In the three and a half years, I have not lost a piano yet, although I have had to reposes one, and the customer still owes me 4 months rent. The contract they sign is a self renewing one, in that if they make a payment they can keep the piano for another month. It is not a rent to own, but they do have the option to buy. If they buy the piano, they will get credit for the moving charge, and 100% of the first year's rent, 50% 2nd year's rent, and 25% of the third year's rent. I hope this will help. If you have more questions, e-mail me privately. I have asked Wally Brooks to have me to give a class on piano rentals at the convention next year. If you want to see that, you might want to give him a call and ask for it. Willem Blees RPT S.t Louis
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