My higher end pipes tend to become personal treasures, nothing at the fishnbanjo or peck level, but some nice ones. The less expensive pipes, once they have proven out, are valued for smoking and not worth a lot in trade, so they tend to stick around too. Shop carefully, since pipes can be a long-term purchase. Mostly, don't buy more than one at a time, and therefore probably don't buy in lots. Deliberate purchases are good, for the long term.