What is most important to customers when deciding which piano dealer to purchase from?

Question

What is most important to customers when deciding which piano dealer to purchase from?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the bottom line for many people is price. While brand names can instill confidence, the differences in quality between their top of the line and entry offerings can be a false indicator of overall quality. In other words, just because it is a known brand isn't always indicative of quality.    

In my opinion, customer service should be the primary concern for any business. That, combined with offering quality products, is what gets sales and leads to customer satisfaction. Without being able to serve their

customers during and after the sale, no business can survive for long. With a piano purchase, I also think that a reputable store would have piano tuners who work for them, or they should have affiliations with piano tuners who also have a good reputation.

A knowledgeable salesperson will be able to help guide their customers towards making the right decision with regard to their purchase. This should include knowing the differences in the quality between each of the products offered and asking the customers what their needs are.

Ultimately, it will come down to price... but, the customer's decision should be based on the knowledge that was shared with them by the salesperson.

Answer 2

A piano is a major expense, regardless of which dealer you purchase from or whatever brand name you decide upon.  I have a Steinway, and it cost me nearly the same amount as my house.  Certainly, there are much cheaper pianos than that, but I think before you invest a lot of money, make sure that this is something you intend to continue with (disclaimer:  I say this without any knowledge of where you are in your music studies at the moment.)  It's always been very depressing to me to see a piano become just another piece of furniture in the room.

In addition to the cost issue, when it comes to brand names, an advanced pianist would also search for a piano that would produce a sound complimentary to their own technique.  As I mentioned, I have a Steinway, but my favorite piano is actually a Fazioli, and if I had it to do all over again, I would purchase the latter.  I have a heavy touch, so I prefer a piano that can "lighten my sound," so to speak.  The Fazioli has a rather glittery sound quality--really great for the high registers--and the keyboard action is fairly quick, which helps me with speed.  Like a Steinway, the cradle is constructed with steel, instead of wood like some of the cheaper pianos, and the strings are double warped.  It's just a more solid construction and can take the hours of practice and the rather unique performance methods of the 20th-century piano repertoire.  

If you're looking for a piano with comparable qualities, and one that is less expensive, a Kawaii is always a good choice.  It costs a little more than a Yamaha or Baldwin, but you get more bang for your buck.  Some of the international piano competitions have, in fact, switched over to Kawaiis from the original Steinways for many of the same reasons I specified above.  

Most importantly, don't just buy a piano because someone tells you what they think is the best.  Ultimately, it's a personal choice.  Some of the dealers will allow a 6-month "try out" period.  In this case, you probably will not be able to purchase the piano outright, and it probably will not be a new piano.  However, you will be able to find out if that type of piano is suited to your needs before making a major purchase.  

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 3

I don't know what the "Dealer" has to do with the quality of the Piano.  Dealers come and go so you may look for one that is till in business because a lot of them aren't.

WHAT BRAND of Piano is more important that what DEALER sells it.