Stem not properly alined with shank

[judcasper]

As I've mentioned elsewhere I took delivery of my new pipe today, and have only just had chance to give it a good look over. I find that on full inspection the stem base is not perfectly aligned with the shank, meaning that half its circumference is proud of the shank (probably by about .5mm). Hardly noticeable until you look closely, but definitely something that can be felt.
Now this pipe cost me a measly £10, but I would like to ask if I have grounds for notifying the seller, or is this typical of budget pipes and something I should just be accepting?

 

[doctorbob]

At a tenner you are going to get a garbage pipe if it's being sold as new unless it's cob. That is a messed up fitment, and if you can get the seller to take it back I would.

 

[judcasper]

That is a messed up fitment, and if you can get the seller to take it back I would.

After seeing those images (far better than I could see with my own eyes) I decided it wasn't acceptable. I've emailed the company with the images, so it's just a waiting game now.

 

[addamsruspipe]

As a new pipe that is unacceptable. However for the price you paid for it I would be impressed and surprised if the maker stood behind it. Good luck.

 

[craiginthecorn]

It's hard to see the big picture from the photos, but I can't tell you how many times I've seen similar photos on eBay which were of stems rotated 180 degrees.
I just sent a brand spanking new $500+ silver-banded White Spot pipe back due to a mouthpiece which didn't properly mate-up with the shank. They're taking care of me, but yep, sh*t happens.

 

[scloyd]

I have this rhodesian "basket pipe" that is a great smoker and I really like it. The stem and shank are misaligned unless I rotate the stem 180 degrees, then they align perfectly. Not a problem for me.

Now this pipe cost me a measly £10

If you can return it without having to pay for the return shipping, then yes, I'd return it. If you have to pay for return shipping, it might not be worth it.

 

[judcasper]

The stem and shank are misaligned unless I rotate the stem 180 degrees, then they align perfectly. Not a problem for me.

Well, clearly, with a bent pipe that's not an option.

If you can return it without having to pay for the return shipping, then yes, I'd return it. If you have to pay for return shipping, it might not be worth it.

Yes, these are my thoughts exactly. If they want it back they'll either have to collect or send me a pre-paid means of return.

I just sent a brand spanking new $500+ silver-banded White Spot pipe back due to a mouthpiece which didn't properly mate-up with the shank. They're taking care of me, but yep, sh*t happens.

That makes me feel slightly better (not at your misfortune, you understand) but if it can happen to a $500 pipe, then there you go.

 

[5star]

“ Well, clearly, with a bent pipe that's not an option. “
Do you have to smoke it with the bowl up ?
Anyway, I hope it all works out for you

 

[judcasper]

Do you have to smoke it with the bowl up ?

Well, call me a traditionalist, but yeah :D
And thanks. They make a big thing about customer care on their website, so here’s hoping.

 

[sablebrush52]

At £10 one shouldn't have any expectations of anything. Figuring mark up and all, maybe this thing has about $6 cost in it, so people working for about 50¢ an hour aren't likely to give a crap how well the parts line up.

 

[judcasper]

At £10 one shouldn't have any expectations of anything. Figuring mark up and all, maybe this thing has about $6 cost in it, so people working for about 50¢ an hour aren't likely to give a crap how well the parts line up.

While this may be true, it doesn’t make it right. Quality inspection should have caught this misalignment. Okay it was only a tenner, but they big up their quality control and that should apply to their budget pipes. No?

 

[sablebrush52]

While this may be true, it doesn’t make it right. Quality inspection should have caught this misalignment. Okay it was only a tenner, but they big up their quality control and that should apply to their budget pipes. No?

When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true. I do believe that claims should be met, and that you certainly have grounds to get a cost free refund if those claims are not met. That said, it's not reasonable to believe that there's much, if any, budget for quality control on super cheapo items.

 

[judcasper]

I’ve always had an issue with things for which I can not justify the price. It was my upbringing - an overly strict father when it came to money, who preached the value of it all the time. This meant no frivolous spending, and treating oneself was out of the question. Lack of funds is why I’ve had to buy such a cheap pipe, but even if I won millions on the lottery I couldn’t justify a three-figure price tag for a pipe. Now that’s not to say I don’t think any pipe is worth that kind of money - I’ve watched the labour, love and care that goes into the making of a hand-made pipe, it’s just that I can’t justify the price to myself.

 

[judcasper]

Just a quick follow-up for those interested. I was emailed today in response to this, to let me know a replacement had been sent out, along with a pre-paid envelope for returning the faulty one.
They did explain that QC on the budget pipes was not as thorough as it might be. Understandable to a certain degree, but I must say I don't agree with the principle of 'not caring' because it's only a cheap pipe.

 

[mikethompson]

So are you looking at estates now?

 

[judcasper]

So are you looking at estates now?

This is just about my only realistic chance of picking up a half-decent pipe. I've been on the look out since it was suggested when I first joined here, but the UK charity shops are not the same as US thrift stores, and although a couple have said they do occasionally get pipes in, I've so far had no luck.
All's not lost on that front. There's always ebay, and there's a guy who runs a junk stall at my local market who says he often picks pipes up. What they're like is anyone's guess, but I know from the price of his other items that he'll want next to nothing for them.

 

[mso489]

When possible, for low-price pipes, buy brands known for reasonable quality, or buy them in person so you can select among the pipes available or reject them altogether. Inexpensive items like ballpoint pens and can openers can be put together so the pieces fit, and so can inexpensive pipes.