I've pretty much always had good experiences with pipe people, both individuals and store, mail order, etc. (with the noted exception of one pipe maker) but recently had two exceptionally pleasant experiences. Earlier in the year I sent Rich Lewis 3 or 4 pipes for repair. If you don't know Rich, he's the authorized repair person for most major pipe brands imported into the U.S including, Ser Jacopo, Viprati, Ashton, Radice, Becker, Upshall, and El Ceppo. He handles the repair for the shop I used to work at an his work is just beautiful. Given the quality of his work and the fact that he has his own store, he is very busy and when I sent the pipes, he told me he was backed up a few months which was fine by me. After a while I emailed him to remind him about the repairs and he said he hadn't a chance to touch them but that he would get them the ASAP. A few weeks later, 2 of the pipes showed up in the mail. I called him up and he said he'd work on the other 2 when he got back from a show but that he wanted me to have these two now, we'd settle up when they were all done! Pretty impressive to find a repairman more concerned with his customers enjoyment than payment.
Just when I thought Rich was unique in the world, along comes another. I dropped 5 pipes off with Tim West at the Columbus Pipe Show. He said he'd have them done in a couple of months. He called me on Saturday to tell me he had shipped my pipes back and what the payment was. I said I'd pay him today and did but get home and there is a notice from the post office that the package has arrive and needs signature. I found it pretty impressive that both men have enough integrity to assume they would be paid and assume you'll have the integrity to pay them. We need more men like this in the world. Its a pleasure dealing with them.
