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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect them to use professional movers?

67 replies

rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:34

We are giving away a large, heavy, bulky musical instrument for free. We no longer use it and need the space for something else. It needs a minor repair which I have been upfront about and I have also said it is free on the condition that whoever takes it uses professional movers with insurance as we don't want our house damaged in the process.

A local man wants it and came to look at the weekend. He's happy to pay for the repairs etc and wants it. But, he doesn't want to pay for professional movers. He reckons he has a friend with a trolley and a strong brother.

AIBU to insist that it only gets moved by someone who is insured and would therefore be responsible for any damage caused? We have quite delicate floors and a newly refurbished house which has cost us our life savings to build, decorate and furnish.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 19/10/2020 13:56

OP, stick to your guns. They way a tonne and the potential for damage is real.

I wouldn't entertain the "mate" option for a minute.

In fact it might be worth your while pricing having it moved so that the expense is clear. Perhaps a piano shop would take it.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 19/10/2020 13:56

I made it clear from the very beginning that it would need to be moved professionally

YANBU, but sadly things like this rarely make a difference; too many read only the "free" bit then insist they know better or have a mate who "knows what they're doing"

I'm just wondering if one of the large charity shop chains would want it, bearing in mind that some may have proper moving equipment? If so, you might be able to save a lot of hassle and help out a good cause into the bargain

Original poster
rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:57

@SleepingStandingUp

I think the problem is giving it away free, you'll get people who fancy it or may sell it on bit aren't that bothered so won't pay for movers. Probably I'd charge the cost of movers, then organise your own and say you'll deliver it
This is actually a really good idea @SleepingStandingUp. I might do this if I don't get any takers. I've asked our man with a van neighbour (who is insured and he says anything from £60-150 depending on the distance.
OP posts:
MaskingForIt · 19/10/2020 13:58

I predict you are having shepherds pie? Or is it cottage pie? Oooh the mystery!

I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you Grin

Original poster
rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 13:58

@Puzzledandpissedoff

I made it clear from the very beginning that it would need to be moved professionally

YANBU, but sadly things like this rarely make a difference; too many read only the "free" bit then insist they know better or have a mate who "knows what they're doing"

I'm just wondering if one of the large charity shop chains would want it, bearing in mind that some may have proper moving equipment? If so, you might be able to save a lot of hassle and help out a good cause into the bargain

What a good idea! @Puzzledandpissedoff! we have a few local music projects for young people and a local furniture warehouse which raises money for charity.

I think I'll contact them possibly.

OP posts:
WorrierorWarrior · 19/10/2020 14:04

What about sending the piano to an Auction House? They can provide properly trained people to come and collect any item. You could get a nice wee bonus on the hammer price. You dont have to give things away for free especially if it is causing stress

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 19/10/2020 14:08

The mover you'd use would be your neighbour man with a van? Is he a professional piano mover?

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 19/10/2020 14:09

Or is it more that you just want someone with insurance? I agree best option is charge the removal/delivery price and say you will deliver. Nice neat solution.

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 19/10/2020 14:09

In my experience people are much more excited and appreciative about paying a much reduced price than they are about getting the same thing for nothing.

Izzadoraduncancan · 19/10/2020 14:14

I am married to professional (insured) piano tuner/mover.

You are right to be cautious regarding damage to the wooden floor - DH never moves pianos on their castors, he has a range of specialist trollers to suit the surface he is negotiating. His insurance is expensive - but covers is for any damage (he has never had to claim thankfully).

Izzabellasasperella · 19/10/2020 14:39

If its a grand piano definitely get a professional mover. They are really difficult and very heavy to move.

Original poster
rosesinmygarden · 19/10/2020 14:49

Thanks ladies.

I have spoken to the chap and said sorry but it's only going if you have someone insured doing the moving. He's getting quotes now so we shall see.

If he doesn't want it once he's got the quotes I shall get some quotes myself but also like the idea of a charity or an auction.

OP posts:
IMNOTSHOUTING · 19/10/2020 15:01

If you have a list of interested parties why bother with this guy? It's not worth the risk and since they're getting a valuable instrument for free they can hardly complain about paying for it to be moved professionally.

PaulinePetrovaPosey · 19/10/2020 15:02

Fair enough if it's a good one! I used to work with a charity that had hundreds of offers of pianos, and people got very affronted when we didn't want their clapped-out untunable dust catchers.

notalwaysalondoner · 19/10/2020 15:09

I have had so many people on freecycle ask if I can drop things off when I explicitly mention in the advert it is collection only - I live in central London, and like many people, don't have a car. Why would I be interested in dropping something off anyway - I'm giving it away for free, they can put themselves out to pick it up in exchange?!

CrunchyNutNC · 19/10/2020 15:15

In his defence he may not have grasped that the professional/insured mover is to protect your home during the removal, rather than simply to put off people/timewasters who have no idea how heavy a piano is and think they'll carry it out between them.

Bluesheep8 · 19/10/2020 15:21

Using professionals is also to protect the piano aswell as the house. Anyone who.knows anything about pianos would never consider trying to move a grand piano themselves. I know he's getting it for free but it's worth looking after.

SimonJT · 19/10/2020 15:23

A professional piano mover is costly, I had a look when I moved and £235 was the cheapest quote. In the end I stuck it in a van and did it myself.

dun1urkin · 19/10/2020 15:25

Did anyone else immediately think of this?

MJMG2015 · 19/10/2020 15:32

I wouldn't even let him do that as unless you see the insurance he says he has you have no idea if it'll cover damage to your property.

When we got our new piano we told them that we'd happily give ours away if he knew anyone who would benefit & if he'd do the moving if it. So it went to a family with two kids who were trying to learn on a very old keyboard. Our piano, his time, happy family.

I'd try any local piano dealers.

Some idiot & his mate are likely to destroy the piano & damage your house.

12309845653ghydrvj · 19/10/2020 16:01

If it’s a grand then I get what the issue is, but in general I think you are being quite precious. The guy might not have a couple of hundred pounds to drop on something that his friend will do him as a favour, and in most cases (unless you’re paying big bucks!) the only difference between a professional and a friend is the insurance. If you really closely oversaw the process, would that not be fine? The only part of the moving that you really care about is getting it out the door without damage, the problem is paying for a professional that would be like 20% of the cost.

nokidshere · 19/10/2020 16:07

,why did you not get rid of it before doing the work? Would have made more sense.

Pianos are ten a penny these days so how much it cost in the first place is irrelevant really

LooseMooseHoose · 19/10/2020 16:08

Presumably the piano is worth more than the cost to move it, so even with removals it's a bargain piano!

I see this with horse stuff all the time. In fact, I know people who often advertise horse shares / sell kit etc for market rate, but then when they have met the person and decided they are committed and not a timewaster actually sell for the cheaper, what they had in mind price. Stops all the CF-ery!

If you aren't having much look, I'd readvertise for the same price as removals will cost. Then when someone visits who won't mess you around and you want to sell to, tell them they can have it for free if they organise removals.

LooseMooseHoose · 19/10/2020 16:10

Oh and OP, I'm an organist so I feel your pain with moving heavy bulky instruments!

(I also understand that one piano / organ is not necessarily the same as another!)

YellowishZebra · 19/10/2020 16:16

I think anyone who thinks they can move a piano without piano movers has not ever been near a piano.
Mine has come with me from my mums to every house I've ever lived in, even when we have done entire house moves with a hired van I have always used piano movers. It usually costs about £100 and it is money well spent.