In the late 1980s, a new method of retailing, called the “Liquidation Sale” or “Academic Sale” was introduced. This method was designed to remove excess inventories. The “Academic Liquidation Sale” takes place at a college or university that advertises the sale of its used pianos in the local newspaper. You are encouraged to call and make an appointment for a “personal showing”. The prestige of the academic establishment’s music department is used to sell instruments that have been at the department for varying lengths of time. Other pianos are also brought to these sales. Piano companies are allowed to use the University’s letterhead on specific occasions and obtain alumni mailing lists. Alumni are often inclined to buy pianos on these occasions and are willing to pay the relatively high prices because they believe that their purchases will benefit the institutions. Why are the prices higher? It’s quite simple. Additional moving is required to get these pianos to the “Liquidation Sale”, facility fees, personal expenses and salesmen’s commissions add to the price of each piano! Pianos that were taken from practice rooms touted as “new pianos” are really used pianos. University and high school students are not kind to pianos and after a semester or more, these pianos take a beating. Since these pianos are not sent back for factory reconditioning, these pianos are not “as good as new” and vastly overpriced! As mentioned, the event is conducted by having select alumni call in advance for a “personal advance showing appointment” before the general public gains access. This is the wrong way to buy a quality instrument for your family. The pressure of having to make a decision on a piano purchase under these conditions ends up costing you more and limits your choice!