I've been wanting to get a grand piano forever. The price tag has kept me from making that dream come true. I recently found one on eBay for a really great price. However, I'm a little nervous about buying a used instrument without being able to test it out first, especially when there's not free return shipping. Granted, the shipping costs are a lot less than I thought they would be, but it still would be a big hassle. Would you go for it?
I would check out their reviews. If they've sold pianos before and people say that they've all appeared as the seller advertised, then I'd probably go for it.
I don't even want to think about what the shipping prices for something like that might be. I don't know if I'd do it for that reason alone. I also like to test things out before making a big purchase, no matter what it is. For the right price and the right seller (one with good reviews), I might do it, but probably not. Have you ever thought about checking out estate sales in your area?
Shipping must be expensive and the seller could send a perfectly good piano that might get damaged during shipping or the piano might not be what you want. If you wish to send it back, will you have to pay the return shipping fees? Do you think you could resell it locally? Ebay has been notorious for siding with the buyer these past few years. If the seller has a good reputation and there's a way to protect yourself from too much financial risk then it might be worth it.
Shipping must be expensive and the seller could send a perfectly good piano that might get damaged during shipping or the piano might not be what you want. If you wish to send it back, will you have to pay the return shipping fees? Do you think you could resell it locally? Ebay has been notorious for siding with the buyer these past few years. If the seller has a good reputation and there's a way to protect yourself from too much financial risk then it might be worth it.
As I read through this thread I was thinking that I'd do it if the reviews were good enough. But you make a really good point about the potential for shipping damages. That's making me think that I probably wouldn't' do it, especially if eBay has been siding with the sellers.
I've bought used instruments on eBay and have been happy with them, but those were small, uncomplicated instruments like a flute and guitar which are easy to fix not as big of an investment. You can ask the seller to post a video of them playing the piano so you'll know how it sounds. It will likely need tuned when it arrives though. I might buy the piano, but only after exhausting my search locally first.
Try looking on Craigslist and in your area's Buy, Sale, and Trade Facebook groups. Add your request if you can't find what you need. Also check out pawn shops and get the word out that you're looking for a piano. Check your town's newspaper want ads too to see if a church or family is selling their old one.
As long as you take the right precautions, I think it should be alright. I'm sure that the owner will be getting insurance on their shipment. I think I would go for it if everything was matching up and the seller had positive reviews.
I have a hard time making big purchases online. I can really only justify it when it's not possible for me to see the product I know I want in person. Is a used piano in your budget really hard to come by in your area?
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