How much to move a piano?

[Pianohumper]

We recently gave a price to a enquirer to move a piano which was circa almost 600 miles round trip just for the one job thought this may give a little insight into the life of piano movers ! :

Quote from us:
....... Thanks for the enquiry based upon the information submitted we
will require £395 inclusive for this removal if you wish to proceed please
forward full contact and address information and we will be back to you
promptly with dates Many Thanks

Reply to quote:
Thanks......... for the very prompt reply! Unfortunately for only a £150 second hand piano, this seems like quite a lot to move it. I don't actually know anything about piano removal myself, but perhaps you could suggest what the service might include that I couldn't organise myself. Sorry to be unsure, but as I say, I didn't know what to expect. Thanks again......

Reply to customer:
Hi ........ no problem we have had that response before but it`s only in
relation to what you are spending as we move pianos that cost up to £100k on the odd occassion, so you are not unique! Piano removal work is extremely heavy work and must really only be undertaken by people who are experienced. We move pianos which are fairly light (in our terms) through to Concert size grand pianos weighing almost a tonne in weight. They are quite awkward to move generally as wide and bulky some don`t even sit properly on the trolleys we use, which are specifically designed and made for the industry and that is an essential piece of equipment. You then have to navigate the piano on a trolley through the collection and delivery address`s without damaging flooring or carpets etc etc on an insured basis. The job takes two strong and experienced men to undertake it correctly and per the RAC route finder from door to door it would take you personally approx 10 hours to get there and back if you hired a van that's without a stop or doing the job and don`t forget diesel, insurance, VAT, wages. So you can see quite quickly that £395 is not unreasonable. The piano may only have cost £150 but in my experience the public should never move a piano as it`s a specialist activity that can lead to injury and damage in the worst scenario. That probably sounds a bit intense but in truth it`s the reality! Hope that provides a little insight into the costings and nature of the activity Regards........

Moto of the tale : Always worth considering the piano removal in your costings being undertaken properly, regardless of purchase price as it`s not the most easy of jobs I can assure you.

[Grenache]

And here's the pianist's view...

I recently bought a new upright and so delivery was organised by the shop.

The movers arrived on time and effortlessly moved the old piano out to their van. This included putting it on-end on to a small but sturdy trolley, negotiating it through a very narrow doorway, turning into a narrow hall, taking it the full length of the hall and turning it round to bring it back to go through another doorway, then out through the kitchen to the garden. Finally they had to carry it 20ft along a gravel drive.

Then the new one came in, almost the same process, but as it was slightly shorter by 3cm so not quite so tight getting it turned round in the hall.

The old piano was delivered to a friend 50 miles away and he paid £60 for the removal.

I was amazed how quick the men were (three of them), and it took me longer to remove and rehang the three doors back on their hinges.

[sussexpianos]

I remember a telephone call froma lady who had bought a grand piano on ebay. She was wondering how grands get through a door way( didn't know the legs came off). I also listened to how she had got 4 friends, some rope and a horse box.
I wanted to know where she was so I could film it, a quick £250 I think and some revenue from the photos printed in the News.