Manufacturer University Deals

[Richard Brekne]

Farrell wrote:

> 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
>

I certainly know the kind of event you are talking about Terry... tho I suppose
I wouldnt be quite as strong in my attack on such sales methods. Still... I just
keep thinking what all this kinda thing says about the state of affairs in our
industry.. sheesh... And some techs wonder why some other techs just "wanna tune
Steinways"... to put a point on it.


>
> ----- 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
> >

--
Richard Brekne
RPT, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway