Pipe Smoking 101 Videos – Introduction to Pipe Smoking

Here are some videos intended to help my fellow pipe smokers, especially those new to the hobby, get ahead of the considerable learning curve we face when new to pipe smoking

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Tips on buying pipes and pipe tobacco online – Video

Back in the day, I'm sure most people didn't have to go far to buy pipes and pipe tobacco. More and more, for most of us, if we want to take advantage of any kind of selection we need to go online.

I am often asked to suggest online retailers. I've dealt with quite a few and had a lot of good experiences. There are plenty of reliable business people out there keeping our hobby alive.

Rather that go down a list and possibly forget someone, I think it better to offer a few guidelines I employ when buying online. If you have never purchased from a particular business before, here is what I suggest:

1. Before you order, establish contact. Make sure they answer their phone or email. If they aren't available to help you make a purchase, chances are they won't be there to resolve any problems that may arise in a timely manner.

2. If you're active on any pipe smoking discussion forums like Tamp and Puff, watch for good things being said. You can ask for suggestions, but know that on most forums, saying anything negative (no matter how true) is frowned upon so people will refrain from sharing bad experiences. On the other hand, one person's gripe may be just that - an isolated situation.

3. When buying pipes, examine the pictures and description carefully. Online auctions should also list the measurements of a pipe - its length, chamber diameter, height, and outside bowl diameter. Without these measurements pictures alone can be deceiving.

4. Always ask questions. I like to ask sellers if a pipe will pass a pipe cleaner effortlessly and if the drilling is centered and at the bottom of the tobacco chamber.

5. Know ahead of time what their shipping options are. If a shipping option isn't listed on their web site, call them and ask - they may be willing to be flexible.

6. Usually you receive a confirmation message of some sort when a purchase is made and the items are shipped. If not, its a good idea to call them the next day and ask if everything is good to go. Some merchants will hold your order if something is out, cancel it if they have a hard time with your credit card, etc. Any number of problems can come up. To avoid waiting for the shipment that never comes communicate.

Have any other tips? Please post them in the comments below and discuss.