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Video Description:
In today's video, we dive into some of the most common tricks and myths that are often used by piano salespeople to influence buyers. Whether it's misleading claims about the country of origin or misconceptions about pianos' long-term value, these tactics can confuse even the most informed shoppers.
We’ve compiled a list of ten critical points that every piano buyer should be aware of to avoid being misled and make a well-informed purchase decision. From concealed country origins to misrepresentations of “German heritage,” we’ll guide you through what to look out for when shopping for your next piano.
1. Country of Origin Misrepresentation
One of the oldest tricks in the book is concealing where a piano is truly made. Salespeople often use vague terms like "German engineering" or "German components" to suggest a European-made instrument when, in reality, the piano may come from Asia. We’ll show you how to locate the country of origin tag on both grand and upright pianos to avoid falling for this.
2. The Value-Added Scam
This trick involves inflating the value of minor modifications made to imported pianos to legally claim they are "made" in countries like the USA or Germany. We explain how to spot this scam and how a simple Google search can help you verify a piano's true origin.
3. The Stencil Brand Risk
These are pianos that leave factories unbranded, only to have third-party companies apply their own labels. We’ll break down why buying a stencil brand can cause long-term issues, from questionable warranties to difficulty in resale.
4. The Myth of Appreciating Pianos
Some salespeople may claim that a piano, particularly a brand like Steinway, will appreciate in value over time. However, we explain why this is generally untrue, debunking the idea of a piano as a guaranteed financial investment.
5. False Positioning
Beware of showrooms that artificially create a perception of value by positioning a "prize" piano next to instruments that have been deliberately under-prepped or poorly lit. We discuss how to make fair comparisons and ensure that every piano is presented in its best condition.
6. The Four Rs: Restored, Reconditioned, Refurbished, Rebuilt
Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial when buying a used piano. We explain each one, from minor cosmetic touch-ups (reconditioned) to full-scale rebuilds designed to return an instrument to factory-level performance.
7. The Myth of MSRP
Many piano dealers inflate the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to offer seemingly large discounts. We introduce tools like pianobuyer.com to help you determine the real market value and negotiate effectively.
8. The Piano Bench Switch
Showrooms often place premium benches in front of pianos, but this might not be the one you receive when your piano is delivered. We recommend confirming the bench you're getting and even upgrading if necessary.
9. Writing Down Every Detail
It’s essential to get every promise made by the dealer in writing, from tunings included in the purchase to delivery agreements. We share stories of customers who’ve been let down when verbal agreements weren’t honored.
10. Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common piano buying tricks will help you make a smart investment that you’ll enjoy for years to come. We hope this video equips you with the knowledge you need to shop confidently.
Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more insightful piano tips and reviews. See you next time!
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