Piano mover for dealers and tuners

Piano dealers, restorers, tuners, music shops, schools and auction houses that need moves but do not have their own team.

A set fee per delivery or collection, often agreed in advance with each trade customer. Regular jobs give steadier work than one-off house moves, though prices can be tighter.

• Safe lifting and handling heavy items
• Reliable timekeeping and communication
• Building relationships with trade customers
• Basic route and job planning

• Insurance for goods in transit and for anyone helping you, check whether you need employer's liability if you take on staff
• Check with HMRC about employment status if you use regular helpers
• Reliance on a few customers, losing one could cut your income sharply
• Heavy lifting and injury risk, use proper equipment and a second person for every move
• Check van hire terms, as some hire firms exclude carrying pianos or very heavy loads

Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on whether you hire or buy a van, the lifting equipment you choose and your insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own area before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many dealers, tuners and schools you work for. The estimate assumes from about 6 hours a week, and relying on a few customers can make income uneven.

Check insurance for goods in transit and for anyone helping you, including whether you need employer's liability if you take on staff. Also check HMRC employment status for regular helpers, and van hire terms that may exclude pianos or heavy loads.