Manufacturer University Deals

[Wimblees@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 10/16/00 10:27:28 PM !!!First Boot!!!, cedel@supernet.com 
writes:

<< Friends,
 
 I'd like more information on these university sales.  They are advertised 
here
 from time to time as a way to save lots of bucks buying a piano that is used 
only
 one year.  I've always considered them suspect.  Would some of you like to
 educate me?  Thanks.
 
 Regards,
 Clyde Hollinger
  >>


In St. Louis the Steinway/Baldwin has all the major universities lined up to 
hold "university sales, about 4 or 5 times a year. From all accounts, they 
are very successful. The last, several weekend ago, reportedly sold 85 
pianos. 

Although as technicians these sales are great, in that over 250 new pianos 
are brought on the market, in reality, they are a rip off for the consumer. 
The dealer advertises that pianos "used by the university music department" 
are on sale at "tremendous" savings. As a side note it is mentioned that 
"other" pianos are also available. 

All but about 5 or 6 pianos sold are brand new. Yet somehow the consumer is 
duped into thinking they buying a piano "used" by the university. On top of 
that, some of them are even led to believe the university is getting some of 
the proceeds. Many customers who have bought these pianos at university sales 
actually thought they bought the piano from the university. 

The sale prices on these instruments are only slightly below MSRP, but do not 
include moving or a tuning. In fact, most are not even prepped.

Maybe I am jealous that another dealer is taking away business, but even 
before I was a piano dealer, I didn't think the sales were very ethical. 

Willem