Instrument Retailer

If you have bought an instrument at some point, you likely purchased it from an instrument retailer. Some instrument retailers will sell a wide variety of instruments while others will specialize in just a few instrument families. Specialized instrument retailers are able to offer expert knowledge and focus on stocking a wide variety of models of the instruments they do sell. While instrument sales may be the primary revenue flow for most large commercial retailers, some smaller shops additionally offer services like instrument repair, maintenance, and music lessons.

A career in this field will vary depending on what scale of instrument retail you are interested in. A job at a large commercial seller and instrument company will look more like a traditional sales career with an entire department committed to instrument sales. Working at a smaller instrument retailer can vary from owning the business, managing the business accounts, doing sales, making instrument repairs, teaching lessons, or more, depending on the store. Most employees will likely be part time, while business owners will work full time managing the business aspects in addition to sales.

Musicians make strong candidates for working instrument retail due to their performance experience and familiarity with instruments. The ability to test instruments and offer in-depth advice on instrument purchases make musicians valuable assets in any instrument retail position. No degrees are required for a career in instrumental retail, but degrees in music or business will build valuable knowledge towards being a successful retailer. Having an outgoing personality, enjoying chatting with others, and working well on a team are all important qualities in instrument retail teams.