Speaking to newer pipe smokers, I'd suggest you buy your first few briar pipes new from an established retailer, for two main reasons, and maybe a few others. It increases the chance that you will get a good name pipe at a fair price, which will smooth your way as you master the technique of smoking. Secondly, it factors out all of the price and competitive bidding noise in the process that is almost a separate hobby all its own. Many do fine with a first estate pipe off ebay, but if anything goes amiss, it might make it harder to enjoy the relaxation and contemplative side of the mystical leaf.