[pianotech] Monetary evaluation

Joe DeFazio defaziomusic at verizon.net
Sat Feb 20 12:59:09 MST 2010


> From: Denise Rachel <pp-ff at verizon.net>
> Date: February 20, 2010 10:09:48 AM EST
> ...
> I'd welcome your opinions of this instrument, but even more valuable would be to know your thought process.....

Hi Denise,

It's always difficult to arrive at a fair monetary value for an older piano.  The most helpful thing another tech (Peter Stumpf) ever told me about arriving at a fair value was:

	You should be willing to pay at least 2/3 to 3/4 of that amount for the piano.

I thought he was kidding at the time, but on subsequent piano evaluations I found it to be very helpful, and I think about it every time.  I do not frequently "flip" pianos, but imagine that you wanted to do so (buy, spruce up and/or regulate and/or rebuild then resell).  For example, let's say that you are considering placing a value of $3000 on a certain piano.  If you were to buy it at $2000 or $2250 to flip, would you consider that to be a fairly good deal, and eventually a somewhat profitable venture?  

If not, (if you'd be likely to lose money on the $2000-2250 purchase price plus your parts and labor upon resale), then the $3000 value is too high.

If it feels borderline, but OK at $2000-2250 (you might make a little money on the deal if you are careful),  then the $3000 value is probably about right.  

If it feels like you'd be getting a bargain at $2000-2250 (the seller would be shorted or just plain ripped off on the deal, and you'd be in for a big payday at resale time), then, of course, the $3000 value is too low.

It might sound a little funny, but try it!  I have found it to be very helpful.

Joe DeFazio
Pittsburgh
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