A Guide to Selling your Piano Privately vs Through the Trade: What to Consider

If you're contemplating selling your piano, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to sell it privately or through the trade, either directly to a trusted dealer like Broughton Pianos or via platforms such as Pianosphere. Each approach has its merits, depending on your goals, timeline, and how hands-on you wish to be.

This guide explores your main options, how to prepare your piano for sale, and how to achieve the best outcome with minimal stress.

Selling to a Piano Dealer: Why Start with Broughton Pianos

Opting to sell directly to a reputable piano dealer like Broughton Pianos can alleviate pressure and ensure your instrument is handled with care. With over 40 years of family-run expertise, we purchase pianos outright across the UK, making the process straightforward.

Why sell to Broughton Pianos:

• Instant offers and fair valuations
• Fully insured nationwide collection
• Quick decisions, ideal if you're moving or need space
• Instant payment by bank transfer upon collection
• Expert advice from seasoned piano specialists

Whether it's an upright, grand, or digital piano, you can initiate the process easily through our Sell Your Piano form and simply upload photos, a short description, and your contact details. We'll respond promptly with a clear offer or further questions if needed.

If your piano needs attention before being sold, Broughton Pianos offers a full range of services to help you maximise its value. We work with an established network of professional piano tuners, ensuring that wherever you are, we can connect you with someone reliable to assess and tune your instrument. Many of our tuners have been with us for years and understand what buyers look for in a well-maintained piano.

For instruments that need more than just tuning, our on site restoration workshop is equipped to handle everything from light cabinet repairs to full internal overhauls. Our team includes experienced technicians and traditional French polishers, who take pride in bringing older pianos back to life both visually and mechanically. Whether your piano needs work on the action, soundboard, or simply a careful cosmetic refresh, we offer tailored advice to get it sale ready without unnecessary expense.

Preparing your piano with expert care not only helps it sell more quickly, it also increases your chances of achieving a better price and attracting serious buyers.

If your piano requires some work before being sold, such as minor repairs, or a full restoration, we can assist. Use our online form to contact us about restoration.

Selling Through Pianosphere

For those who prefer to market their piano independently, Pianosphere is a well regarded UK platform designed specifically for second-hand pianos. You can explore their second-hand piano listings here to get a sense of what a strong listing looks like.

Pianosphere also serves as a valuable resource to find local piano shops across the UK, many of whom purchase second-hand instruments, particularly if you're looking to trade in toward a newer model.

The Case for Selling Privately

Selling your piano privately means managing the process yourself, from advertising to negotiating and final delivery.

Pros:

• Potential for a higher sale price
• Full control over pricing, photos, and timing
• Opportunity to connect with buyers who value privately owned pianos

Considerations:

• More work: photography, descriptions, messages, viewings
• Accuracy: you'll need to confirm brand, age, condition, and tuning history
• You may be responsible for transport or need to coordinate delivery

If you choose this route, here are a few ways to enhance your listing:

Take Good Photos:

• Clear, well-lit images
• Show exterior, keyboard, full body (including pedals or legs)
• Include inside the piano (open lid) - soundboard, strings, hammers
• Photograph the serial number and brand/model label

Add a Short Video:

• Record a few scales or chords to demonstrate sound and tuning
• A short walkaround helps build trust with buyers
• Record a piece of music!

Describe It Clearly:

• Include brand, age, size (e.g., 121cm upright), and any recent servicing/restoration
• Note whether the piano is tuned and ready to play
• Mention accessories: stool, cover, silent system, headphones etc.

Many private buyers (and all dealers) will appreciate a recent service or written assessment from a technician. This boosts confidence and adds value. Hiring a tuner or technician for a once-over (and documentation) can add real value. If you’re not sure where to find trusted professionals, PianoSphere’s services directory lists independent tuners, repairers, and even piano movers across the UK. It’s an easy way to connect with local experts who can help your sale go smoothly.

Selling at Auction: Weighing the Risks and Rewards

Selling your piano at auction is another avenue to consider. While it can potentially reach a wide audience, there are notable risks involved.

Pros:

• Exposure to a broad range of buyers
• Potential for competitive bidding

Cons:

• High commission fees, often ranging from 30-40% of the sale price
• Uncertainty regarding the final sale price
• Responsibility for transportation and potential additional costs

Given these factors, selling through a reputable dealer like Broughton Pianos or directly to consumers via platforms like Pianosphere may offer more predictable outcomes and potentially higher returns.

Private Sale vs. Dealer Trade-In: What's Right for You?

Both routes can be effective, depending on your goals.

Choose Broughton Pianos if you:

• Want a fast, reliable sale
• Prefer not to deal with advertising or buyers
• Desire secure collection and instant payment
• Seek advice from experienced piano specialists

Explore private or Pianosphere sales if you:

• Have time to manage the sale yourself
• Are comfortable creating listings and managing buyer communications
• Aim for the best possible price and are willing to wait

For those looking further afield, PianoSphere also showcases premium piano stores across the UK, many of whom offer trade-in options. It’s a useful way to discover reputable businesses in your area that might be interested in your piano.

Final Thoughts

Selling a piano isn't just about the transaction; it's about finding the next home for an instrument that has likely brought joy to your family or students. Whether you choose a private route or prefer the speed and security of a trusted piano dealer, take the time to photograph it well, gather the right information, and work with people who treat your piano with care.