Buying a Tobacco Pipe on eBay? BE CAREFUL! 

O.K........I'm 3 years behind, but I want to tell you that It was a very good video filled with great info. I'm subscribing !! Thanks !!!

You sir are a formidable opponent when it comes to debating an issue. Well done, brother! I have used eBay numerous times in the past and never overpaid. My method always involved tracking past sales, watching ongoing auctions, and keeping a log of final sales prices. In this way, I establish a "target" price by noting what was the cheapest successful bid on a given item. Granted, this is time consuming, but patience is a virtue. I understand that pipes are unique items, but, if one waits long enough, something very similar always comes along. The lesson here is, [like Smokey Robinson says, "Pretty (pipes) are a dime a dozen ... Don't be sold on the very first one. My Mama told me, You better shop around."] If someone else got an item for a good price, so can you. Only bid up to your target price. Be patient. I usually only shop eBay for estate pipes from private sellers, not professional re-sellers or commercial ventures. If I have to rehabilitate a pipe, so much the better. I have buffed out a pipe to reveal some really fine briar. Usually, the uglier it is, the more rewarding a reclamation project it is (providing, of course, that there are no cracks or other fatal flaws in the briar). Bits can be replaced by a pipe maker easily enough. Another great post!

Hey there. Late to the youtube piping party, but have smoked for 30 years. I am enjoying your videos, and this one certainly is spot on. Ebay is a scammer's paradise. Ive seen 'antique' (meaning used) calabash pipes offered for hundreds of dollars, but really, as a calabash collector, Ive found just as fine specimens, silver ring and all, for as little as 30 dollars. My advice, go for the widow selling her late husband's pipes, not some pro seller who is trying to maximize his profit. A tell-tale sign is a listing using titles like these, with lots of details. A widow or heir selling off dad's old pipes would likely not create a pro-looking title like the examples in your video, in fact they would likely not know any pipe brands at all, and the pipe would also not be 'unused'.. That detailed title, to me, is a clear sign of someone who demands a price that is not to your advantage. Good job, my man, if only too diplomatic. These people are scammers in my book, plain and simple, and should be called out. In the 3 years since you made this video, Ebay has only gotten worse, so..buyer beware!

I've had pretty good luck on eBay, but I've also done a fair amount of research before jumping in on anything. One of my more notable catches is a 1960s Pioneer Meerschaum that I got for $20, but only because the label in the case was mostly gone and the pipe was actually LARGER than described in the listing. Solid advice to be had here!

I really like it when you talk stuff, but I love it when you talk things! I have been thoroughly enjoying your channel, sir. I have found your tobacco reviews especially helpful. All the best -Tom

Just saw this vid this evening. Right on Brad! Shinypipes has been at it for some time & with all the cleaned up estates he handles, I'm fairly confident he knew a Sea Rock is -- by definition -- rusticated. Though as you say he can't be blamed for trying to get what he can for himself or his consignees, honesty is certainly crucial and will inevitably cause trouble for not only the buyer, but eventually for the seller as well. I recently bought a Brebbia Pura Bulldog from Shinypipes -- $60 -- nice deal for a fill-free Pura in unsmoked condition. There's a slight swollen lip on the end of the tenon without which the mortise fit would be too loose. Old trick of pipers to heat the tenon, press it against a flat surface to flange it out slightly to tighten the fit. I noticed it right off the bat & thought he should have described the fix (if of course he was aware of it), but I didn't say anything as the fit was adequate and the grain, though random, was beautiful. Still. I give honesty always, even if it exposes something I'm not proud of. I require the same in return, and if not, I'm gone. Depending on the situation I might even illuminate the matter as you've done here. I saw below you mentioned you may have been a pest. I don't think so. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you know is just, ESPECIALLY when considering that many simply do not have the horsepower to do so on their own. In any case, once again...right on Bradley. BTW, your Peterson Pipe Lighter review helped compel me to find one for myself instead of the Corona (larger reservoir, dual jets, improved snuffer hinge). Didn't like the "Thinking Man" imagery either, lol, and had to get the striped silver version from a guy (or girl) in Poland (Ebayer robusto_123). Just opened the package this evening and am very, very happy.

I've missed your Sunday night smoke videos for two weeks now. :( Please bring back! I loved this video though and the emails between you and the seller--thanks for letting someone like me, who's very new to pipe smoking, know the potential good and bad with ebay sellers.

Wise advice! i had noticed that too, sometimes the prices are higher than buying the new pipe....I completely agree that the "homework " need to be done for this kind of things!

First, I am impressed by your knowledge!! Secondly, the seller Shiny pipes was obviously not interested in correct information and thus informing his/their sellers and the correspondence ( I think) shows that they doesn´t even care...trying to spin the subject in order to be able to get a premium on the pipe. Everyone in the pipe community that shops on Ebay should be grateful that you make that kind of behavior public. Personally, I wouldn't trust him/them.

I've noticed that as well. I've seen some recent edition Peterson Silver Spigots on there asking for like $300+. You can get a brand new Peterson Silver Spigot on SmokingPipesdotCom for around $196+ tax. I definitely second doing your homework before making purchases on eBay.

I won't buy from shinypipes. I tried them a few times and the description did not match the item.

Love your interaction with the ebay seller.

I've begun buying pipes on eBay and will definitely pay more attention to the details explained here so thoroughly. Thank you!

An excellent presentation as always. Thanks for steering me towards dedicated estate pipe websites. You've definitely saved me some money.

A smooth “Sea Rock” is like a dry ocean-physically within the realm of possibility, but by definition a misnomer.

I hope that I'm not repeating . I bought was advertised as "Meerchaum." It's rubber or plastic. The airway is blocked. Nice acrylic bit . That's it. I decided to just chalk it up as a knick- knack. It certainly was cheap. Even has a pipe sock . Supposedly no issues with other buyer's. Afterward's the buyer admitted to it Not being a meerchaum

It’s cool that you made the updates in the description ✌️

Great video. You can't beat a proper dealer who sells authentic pipes. Dealers also offer their pipes at a discount from time to time :-)

Good advice, not just for pipes though, ebay is a sellers market so, as such, most items end up way overpriced. Everything I buy I look up on ebay, but always end up purchasing somewhere else for much cheaper.

Just so you know, the rhinestone marking was used in the 70's because Wally Frank who was the importer already was using the white bar on his own pipes. ( his whole sale company was call Hollco). I was able to buy a Castello with the white bar in Italy in 1978.

Great tips Bradley. Right now I'm only ordering new since the cost is so cheap compared to cigars, but I may give this a shot in the future.

Excellent and beneficial video Bradley. I like ebay, but some of the sellers might try to take advantage or just play dumb. The ebay team is very prompt and tactful if one would have a problem, or the item is not what is said to be. Great advice and thanks.

Great job my man, up the irons. I find it difficult to get information on pipes and there value and history at times. I am currently trying to research ch Harwick pipe history an not finding any thing, But the search is apart of the fun of this hobby, so we press on .When in doubt don't buy, there will always be another pipe another day. Great video. Thank you

Good work against price abuse. Love all your videos Greetings from Russia

Good points but just a reminder about eBay's overhead, which is a 10% seller's fee and then PayPal charges another 3%... so whatever it sold for the seller is only going to realize 87% of that price. (Plus he did have a "Best Offer" option, which means he was definitely willing to accept at least 10% less than the listed price.)

Your back and forth exchange with the seller reminds me of the way people argue about stuff on reddit. Also, have you got any videos about things to look out for re: flaws/damage and ways that sellers might conceal this, also how to spot this?

For an Australian buyer those new Peterson's aren't a bad price really, shame more US sites don't ship globally. They are around $150+ here from online retailers.

Good advice . But bargains can be had in the estate pipes if the seller does not know what the pipe is .

I actually just buy old estate pipes from eBay. I'm not into expensive pipes. I'm not knocking the collector at all! When I did get my higher end pipes (which I only have two) I bought them from Tobaccopipes.com. I have a Peterson Aran bent and a Savinelli 207 Roma with a Lucite stem. I've seen Shinypipes on eBay and to be honest they are too expensive for me! I buy old Kaywoodies and old Yellow-Boles from eBay. I've bought a John Middleton pipe and L.L. Bean bent pipe. I really like the Blue Collar Classic pipes so to speak. I smoke Codger blends only. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I smoke a pipe for the nicotine and pleasure of relaxing in my chair after a days work. I'm being very honest when I say ,,,, I'd rather have an unsmoked kaywoodie from the 1930s or 40s then a brand new Dunhill. Probably because my pipes are tools, a life accessory. I just need a decent briar pipe, with a good vulcanite stem and some good smooth Burley lightly topped (preferably Prince Albert or Sir Walter Raleigh regular) and I'm content!!

Castello still uses the diamond logo. They do this to keep the trade mark.

Dude awsome video!!! 😃 i dont even know how i ended up on your channel but i do collect video games and you my friend know your things very well and i appreciate your work"

Greath video..I knew about the newer pipes being somewhat overpriced on ebay..however..good to know about the older (vintage?) pipes..don't know where you get your information, but it is excellent and shows a great knowledge..can never achieve that level of research no matter how hard I try...caveat emptor!!..difficult to achieve that level of insight though so well done..love the channel..always learn something here

Ebay has opened up a very wide doorway for the con artist and you are barely touching the slimmest of veneers on even the pipe scenario but great work and keep it up.Thank god for falcons.Jim.Liverpool.

It's like collecting anything from pipes to coins and stamps, always educate yourself, do a little study up on the matter, look around to get a feel of what you should expect to pay.

You are the pipe-superhero! good job ;)

Shiney pipes eh ? well 15 months later they still have a lot of listings , good to have the heads up .

Thanks for the advice and another great video. Best regards.

Hey Man great videos, great amount of helpful information :) Do you have or plan on making a video on restoring Estate pipes?

Hey Bradley, Speaking of scam pipes on eBay...what advice do you have on buying secondhand tins of hard to find tobacco (like the elusive Esoterica blends)? Just avoid it altogether? Or do you know of any decent secondhand outlets for these blends?

Great advice, mate.

Great vid, very good advice! Thanks !

Many sellers don’t charge a lot because they’re greedy. It’s because the combined ebay and paypal fees are ridiculous.

Boy did she not know what she was up against.

Somehow shiny pipes still has a 5 star rating.

used to smoke peterson old dublin now i mostly smoke sour diesel hahaha, a friend of mine bought a 10 pipe roll with a bunch of really nice old petersons and davidoffs for 20bux

Wow, a pipe measuring contest!

Thanks for the tip, they sholdent do that. Take care

Also, the size the pipe is in the pucture of it is not alway's the REAL size.

Thanks for the vid. I've bought quite a few good deals from eBay, but also 2 or 3 duds. Good advice!

+Phillip Brodginski - Nice score on the Pioneer Meerschaum! Like you said, research is key.

a wool-hat INSIDE your house? Really my good friend Bradley? Dude...it could only be worse you wearing some sunglasses to it...

I cant see paying top dollar for any pipe

Are all Savenilli stamped "Savenilli". Do any of them only have the "S" and Italy stamped on them

Good work and thank you!

Well...how can you expect they sell a rusticated pipe if their name is SHINY PIPES? :D Just joking...but the truth is there are many fakes around... I'm from Italy and maybe it's more common here to see Castello's pipes...and a very well known dealer has right now a Sea Rock Briar completely smooth...except for the bottom..in which you can see the distinctive characteristic rustication...there are other example of partially rusticated Sea Rock...even with some kind of alternate pattern between smooth and rusticated...but for sure i've never seen one completely smooth...

Do they make you sign a paper if you order a spoon pipe. Juul starter kit. Or cigarillos

I sell pipes on Ebay under the name Oystermouth. Have a look at my feedback and see for yourself.

Why's it say about pipes on eBay tobacco use only?

Caveat Emptor. But eBay is hit or miss; I think a lot of sellers don't really know their products -- particularly with estates. A littler research goes a long way.

Hes got "make an offer" up so you can possibly get it cheaper

So should I buy this bong or no

I ask questions. Can't answer? I tell them they need to sell something they know about

Are there any sellers of estate pipes that you can recommend?

That "sea rock" does have a nice burl-like grain, just saying

mine cost 3.00 an im geting 4 dollar pipes comeing in the mail lolol

Educate yourself before just buying first. Some sellers don't have the knowledge to present the product properly. Be careful.

Bravo pipe dude!

ShinyShits strikes again!

OMG airhole is better LOL I started in the early 80's and know Costello's and they smoked exceptionally great.

Woah.. diff angle

You wasted your time with a shady seller, ppl like that are best ignored. Most if not all pipe smokers would research a pipe and not be easily tricked.

I think the ebay seller is a rip off he know some how I feel he knows as a real pip smoker I smoke a dr vrabiw as a fine edc pip choice but pipe smoker are haper knowing there pipe is real and authentic to the descpription

The first two: He's selling it for $425 because it's vintage and brand new. From the 1970s. You do understand that right?You do know the value of it is about $600 right? You do know I've seen tons of people selling them for more then that, and it is actually a deal. Yes you can get a BRAND NEW one for cheaper, a NEW model yes. But that doesn't make it vintage. You do understand what vintage means, and how it adds to value ?

But its a beautiful pipe, collectors dont care about the name! Lol what a bunch of nonsense.