Upright piano moving with a small crew

Families moving house, people who have bought or sold a piano online, music teachers, schools, churches and community halls.

A flat price per move, based on distance, stairs and the piano's size, with extra charges for awkward access. Piano tuners and music shops can send you regular referrals.

• Physical strength and good lifting technique
• Safe driving and securing loads
• Careful, reliable customer service

• Commercial general liability and cargo insurance, because a piano can be worth thousands of dollars
• Check with your province whether using a van or truck for hire needs commercial vehicle registration or a safety certificate
• Injury risk from heavy lifting, stairs and icy steps in winter, so plan carefully and never take on a job you cannot do safely
• Check whether your municipality requires a business licence, and whether WCB or WSIB coverage is needed once you pay helpers
• In Quebec, check French-language requirements for your marketing and contracts

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you buy or rent a vehicle, your dolly and straps, and your insurance. Cargo cover matters, as a piano can be worth thousands of dollars.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you book, your pricing and your helper costs. Many jobs fall on evenings and weekends. These are estimates only.

Check with your province whether using a van or truck for hire needs commercial vehicle registration or a safety certificate. Also check your municipal business licence, WCB or WSIB coverage once you pay helpers, and French-language rules in Quebec.