Tips on negotiating price on used piano?

[Anonymous]

We found one that we like at a local store. It's part of a sale from the music department of a local university.

It's a Yamaha T118. New it retails for around $5500. This is one year old and sale price is $4190, with 10 year warranty.

I'm horrible at negotiating. I have a feeling these particular models are going to go quickly in the sale when it starts just because of the quality and condition of them. We got in and had a look pre-sale. I don't know how aggressive I can be on price, but I don't want to just take the initial list price.

Any advice?

[Anonymous]

How badly do you want it?

I would maybe call or go in and say, I am very interested in this piano, would you take $4000 for it.
See what they say, If they know they can get full price quickly they will probably say no, If they have had it a while they may take your offer.

I have haggled before for things on craigslist, especially if its something there are a lot of like a stroller.

[Anonymous]

How much do we want a piano or how much do we want this one? Hmm, tough question.

We'd originally planned on getting a used upright, spending $2000-$3000. But we were really drawn to this one and because it's a part of the university sale it comes with the 10 year warranty (as if it's new) versus the 3 year warranty of a used piano.

I'm just trying to get an idea of how much I should ask them to lower the price.

I think I'll go with $295 less, which equals the amount of the delivery charge.

[Anonymous]

They probably won't negotiate, honestly.

[Anonymous]

What does the warranty cover? I've owned pianos for decades with no problems other than tuning and fixing an occasional stuck key. Those things aren't expensive.