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Kerry V., Australia

I have rented keyboards out for many many years and along the way have lost them too.

I was able to buy used keyboards from a school who were ‘upgrading’. I really don’t know how it happened except for three keyboards that I know of I have ‘lost’ them.  My system was not lost proof.

I bought the keyboards for $20 each and rented them out for $5 per week.  When the parents/students had purchased their own keyboard/piano, they brought my one back.

I haven’t and do not intend to ‘sell’ them however I may be having a representative of one of our larger stores coming over to my studio to show a particular keyboard the students may like.  Basically I build up a relationship with the piano stores around me and see what we can do for each other.

Best conversation is to be yourself, do not go in and ‘sell’ first, establish a relationship, tell them what you do but see what THEY have to offer in their services.  You can also gauge which direction you take through the conversation you have with this group.

Elisa J., New Jersey

I’ve never done rentals. My husband happens to own a pest control company…you see where this story is going, right? Before his own company he worked for another and they had one of those Rent-a-Center accounts. They couldn’t really get rid of the pest problem there. Apparently, bugs like to live inside electronics – heat is a pleasant environment, I believe. My family rarely get anything used. If we ever do, it would usually stay in my garage for some time and carefully inspected. How about purchasing it through you with affordable monthly payments instead?

Cate R., Australia

Hi Ian, I’m with Elise on this one. As the kids say Ewwwwww. I do have one guy that I have used to rent pianos from. I give my potential students his card and he takes care of the rest. I tell them that he delivers only on Saturday. Comes to their house, sets up the keyboard, plays a bit (always impressive), bills them directly every 10 weeks and is really professional and pleasant,so I’ve been told. What do I get out of it? I get a child that has a full 88 weighted keys and not some dinky little thing that they bought for $20.

Marg G., Australia

I’ve rented out a couple of keyboards on and off and I’ve never had a problem.

I ALWAYS require a $50 deposit.  Most folk don’t want to throw away $50 which is possibly why they have always come back to me. I usually charge $25 per week payable every 12 weeks in advance.

In Aus this means a 10 week school term plus our usual 2 weeks school holidays.  At this price I really don’t know why they don’t go out and buy in the first place.