Let’s be real—selling pianos online sounds like a massive undertaking. It’s not like selling mugs or t-shirts. These are big, often expensive instruments that require careful handling, specialized knowledge, and most of all—trust. But if you love pianos and want to build a business around them (or already have a traditional shop and want to expand your reach), the online world is full of opportunity.
And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.
Let me walk you through how you can sell pianos online—step by step—with minimal stress and maximum potential.
1. Decide What You’re Selling (and Who You’re Selling To)
Before diving into platforms and plugins, take a moment to define your focus. Are you selling:
- Brand new digital pianos?
- Restored uprights or grand pianos?
- Entry-level beginner keyboards?
- Rare finds or niche brands?
And just as important—who’s your ideal buyer? A parent buying their child’s first piano? A professional gigging musician? A retired classical enthusiast downsizing?
Knowing your audience helps you speak their language and choose the right sales channels.
2. Pick Your Selling Platform
Now onto the tech part. The good news? There are platforms that do most of the heavy lifting for you.
Here are three common routes:
A. Create Your Own Website (Shopify, WordPress + WooCommerce)
If you want a real online storefront, Shopify is the easiest option. It’s designed for non-techies and handles payments, shipping rates, and even SEO basics.
Prefer WordPress? Pair it with WooCommerce for more control, though expect a slightly steeper learning curve.
B. Sell on Online Marketplaces
Not ready to build a site? Try platforms like:
- Reverb (great for musical instruments)
- eBay (works for secondhand or niche models)
- Facebook Marketplace (solid for local sales)
- Craigslist (still works, believe it or not!)
Just remember—these sites come with limited branding and more competition.
C. Combine Both
Many successful sellers list on multiple platforms while directing serious buyers to their main website.
3. Take Photos That Actually Sell
You don’t need a professional camera—your phone will do. What matters is how you shoot.
- Use natural lighting (near a window works wonders).
- Clean the piano and stage it nicely (a tidy corner, maybe a plant or lamp nearby).
- Show key details: the keyboard, brand name, pedals, bench, back, serial number (for acoustics).
- If it’s digital, include a photo of the interface and any accessories.
If you can, record a short video—even just a walkaround or sound demo. That builds serious trust.
4. Write Descriptions Like You’re Talking to a Friend
Skip the jargon unless your buyer is a pro. Most people want to know:
- What condition it’s in
- Why you’re selling it
- How it sounds and feels
- What it’s good for (beginners, gigging, practice)
- If delivery or pickup is available
Here’s a good example:
“This Yamaha P-125 has been gently used for a year and plays beautifully. It’s ideal for beginners or intermediate players and has a realistic key feel. Comes with stand, pedal, and power adapter.”
5. Set Your Price (Smartly)
Check what similar models are selling for online. Don’t just base your price on what you paid—buyers only care about what it’s worth now. If you’re unsure, you can:
- Look up completed sales on eBay or Reverb
- Join piano seller forums or Facebook groups
- Offer a fair “negotiable” range to attract interest
Pro Tip: Bundle in small bonuses (like free delivery or a music stand) to sweeten the deal.
6. Make It Easy for People to Pay You
If you’re using Shopify or another e-commerce platform, you’re good—credit card payments are built in.
If you’re selling casually, consider:
- Bank Transfer
- PayPal / Venmo (for international or online sales)
- Cash on delivery (for local deliveries or pickups)
The easier you make it to pay, the faster you’ll sell.
7. Handle Delivery and Shipping
This is where many people get stuck. Pianos aren’t easy to move—but there are ways around it.
- For upright or grand pianos: Partner with local movers who specialize in instruments. Ask for a per-delivery quote and pass it to the buyer.
- For keyboards/digital pianos: Courier services can handle boxed units—just pack them well!
- Offer local pickup or delivery within your area to simplify everything.
Make sure to mention delivery options clearly in your listing.
8. Build a Reputation You Can Be Proud Of
Whether you’re selling your first piano or your 100th, reviews matter. Encourage happy buyers to:
- Leave feedback on your site or Facebook page
- Recommend you to friends
- Tag you if they post about their new piano
And always answer messages politely, even if you get lowball offers. People remember good experiences.
9. Grow from Hobby Seller to Piano Business
Once you’ve sold a few pianos successfully, consider building a brand around it.
You could:
- Start a blog about pianos (like you’re reading now!)
- Offer video demos or virtual consultations
- Add accessories like benches, sheet music stands, or covers
- Partner with piano tuners or teachers to create bundled services
There’s a growing demand for trustworthy, helpful sellers in the music space—especially ones who care about what they sell.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to know code, hire a developer, or invest in a fancy storefront to start selling pianos online. All you need is:
- A decent product
- Clear, friendly communication
- A platform that fits your comfort level
- And the patience to build one sale at a time
If you’re passionate about music and want to turn that into something profitable, this is one of the best times to get in the game.