Who do you trust when you buy a pipe on the internet?

[Bub]

The answer is easy...someone you know and trust.
Unfortunately, the easy answer doesn't always work.
If you visit a new pipe makers web site how do you know (1) they are legitimate, (2) they made the pipes they show, (3) their reviews are from actual customers, etc...Perhaps the answers to these questions are also easy...you don't.
Have you ever bought a pipe over the internet, other than ebay, from someone you didn't know or never heard of just because you like it? How did it work out.
What criteria would you use to decide that it was a good deal?
Bub

 

[Mikem]

This is a tough one. After being semi-burned on a pipe from a new pipe maker I am very hesitant to purchase a pipe from an unknown without either seeing the pipe (at a pipe show) or going by others reviews from fellow pipe smokers that I know here or on other boards that frequent. I don't put much stock in reviews that they have on their website. I think that one of the better benifits of belonging to forums such as this is listening to others opinions from fellow pipe smokers that you know and trust that have seen or purchased from a new carver. I probably would not purchase a pipe "cold turkey" from an unknown/new carver just because of my one bad experience. Having said that I have also had a good experience with getting a pipe from an unknown (who was a member here). At first I was very hesitant over the price because it was a new carver, but once I received the pipe I was very pleased and it has become one of my favorite smokers.

 

[Anonymous]

If you visit a new pipe makers web site how do you know (1) they are legitimate, (2) they made the pipes they show, (3) their reviews are from actual customers, etc...Perhaps the answers to these questions are also easy...you don't.

Bub

I check if anyone I know has heard of them.
I try to establish a dialogue with them.

This allows me to determine their integrity and honesty.


I became an American pipe smoker simply because I find it cool as hell to be able to chat, email, or just pick up the phone and call. Try to get someone from [insert country here] to answer the phone; they won't even know who or which machine made the pipe.

Talk about cool. I was on Lee Von Erck's site in the summer. And I saw what I thought was a video. I clicked a button thinking it would allow me to send a message basically to introduce myself. The dude walked over to the camera and replied to me. It was a live webcam in his shop while he was making pipes.

I told him I was interested in one of his pipes and he begins holding pipes up to the camera! Talk about a cool factor. Needless to say, I bought a pipe that day.

 

[Bub]

Two comments:
(1) Texas Outlaw wrote:
"Talk about cool. I was on Lee Von Erck's site in the summer. And I saw what I thought was a video. I clicked a button thinking it would allow me to send a message basically to introduce myself. The dude walked over to the camera and replied to me. It was a live webcam in his shop while he was making pipes.

I told him I was interested in one of his pipes and he begins holding pipes up to the camera! Talk about a cool factor. Needless to say, I bought a pipe that day."

I also thinks that its cool. It does make the world seem like a smaller place, but does it help you to move from Michigan to other parts of the world?. Let's talk about Russia for example.

(2) I just discovered that I need another post to hit 100. This is that post and that's pretty cool for me.

Bub

 

[morleysson]

Sometimes, one needs to exert a "leap of faith", sensing that disaster may befall one, regardless of precaution. I buy a number of estates, and usually return to the people from whom I have been graced with a good smoker. Two sellers on the 'Net with whom I have a "share a hooch" feeling are Frenchy and Irish Lefty. Usual disclaimer, and just satisfied buyer. I have to have some sense that a seller is part of the community at large, and is accessible, which both of these gentlemen are.

 

[regor]

Do you have a link to Irish Lefty please? I would love to hear more about him. Thanks!!

 

[RonA3597]

Here you are Regor -- http://www.pipesbyirishlefty.com/stores/viewstore2.aspx?page=home

 

[regor]

Thank you very much!!!

 

[Buck]

Since I buy only E.A.Carey pipes I cruise E-bay for broken in deals.

I've never bought a 'bad' estate pipe so I don't risk getting burned on new
untried pipes.

 

[robertw1249]

i have also have been burned on pipes that i have got from other sites but i can say the best place that i have found for good pipes and out standing customservice is JM boswell and his son dan they have really great pipes and really good people they go the extra mile to make you happy

 

[Winslow]

Since I buy only E.A.Carey pipes I cruise E-bay for broken in deals.

I've never bought a 'bad' estate pipe so I don't risk getting burned on new
untried pipes.

My second wife was already broken in,she's pretty good for an estate wife even
though she has a New York accent that's more like a Brouge.

Winslow :sunny: