Manufacturer University Deals

[Farrell]

Where do I begin. I do not have one positive thought about these RIP-OFF
"events". Two weeks ago we even had a "special sale from the Aspen Music
Festival" at our local Steinway dealer. I ask how is a dealer going to move
hundreds of pianos from the store/warehouse or whereever to the university,
tune them, pay extra sales people (yea, I know, you thought they were
university music teachers volunteering their time - they let you believe
that), rent the space ,etc. AND sell the pianos at a price lower than that
available at the store where they were already sitting, tuned, etc.? Answer:
They don't. They Rip People Off. I think I will stop writing now before I
punch my computer.

Don't ask me how I know all this.

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: <Wimblees@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2000 7:19 PM
Subject: Re: Manufacturer University Deals


> 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
>