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American carvers target Europe with offer

European collectors are just beginning to take note of America's carving elite - and the current weakness of the US dollar would be accelerating the trend, were there fewer obstacles. With a mind to removing them, a few of the best-known American pipe makers are now targeting the European market with a special offer.

Initially suggested by Pfeifenbox, the campaign is designed to enhance European awareness of the American pipe industry. The timing is ideal - viewed in terms of buying power, the dollar slump amounts to savings of up to 25% for Europeans. But two longer-term barriers must be overcome for North American carvers to establish a foothold in Europe: They must build up a retail structure, and they must take stiff EU import sales taxes into account, which are normally paid by the customer.

The effect of the latter is both material and psychological. In Germany, for example, a 16% tax is levied - putting a big dampener on any thoughts of a bargain via the Internet. Once you have added shipping costs to the total, the potential for saving money on the weak dollar rate dwindles considerably. Curiosity is quenched along with the thrill of scoring a bargain, and the would-be buyer commonly dons his shoes and coat for a walk to the local pipe store.

Acknowledging that the window of opportunity provided by the currency market may not be open forever, a group of US and Canadian carvers have decided to lower the tax hurdle by sharing the bill with their non-American customers. Following a proposal by Pfeifenbox, they are targeting the European market with a 10% reduction in February. This brings total dollar prices for overseas customers much closer to those paid by Americans.

The following producers are participating in the February offer and offer further information on their websites or via email:

Paul Bonaquisti
John Hamilton McGrath
Mark Tinsky
Lee von Erck

The move is calculated to fertilise a budding European interest in New World pipes at a time when other conditions are very favourable. Since its launch, Pfeifenbox has been drawing people's attention to the work of North America's carvers and is proud to be helping them by making this special sale public.

However, please note that Pfeifenbox is not financially involved in this campaign in any way. All business responsibility rests with the producers taking part - and Pfeifenbox is not participating in any profits or charging for the publicity. Queries regarding the technicalities of the deal should be addressed to the carvers involved, not to Pfeifenbox, which has no influence over the details.

(February 2, 2004)

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