You be the judge

creativeaccents · 9th December 07, 08:18 AM

I had a customer inquire about kilt sizing, so I very carefully explained in detail the need to have someone with a tape measure evenly at the navel while being sure to keep the tape level. He ordered a size 36 Black Watch. A few days later I received his note saying essentially, "oops, I am bigger than I thought" and he needs a 38. Sent the 38 replacement for the swap at my cost. Now, receive a note saying what he really needs is a 42. That's a 6 inch spread from the original. Like any reputable supplier, I want buyers totally happy, but a third kilt with such a size disparity is a tad curious. Any of you ever have such trouble with your measuring? I will make the swap again, but this one seems more than a little curious.

**McMurdo** · 9th December 07, 08:46 AM

No I've never had that kind of discrepancy in sizing, my twin brother however was fitted with a 40" waist for the kilt he got for his wedding, and he was at the time a 34-36 at most, the measurements were taken at the tartan shop that made the kilt, he gave it to me and I moved the buckle for him, however at the time of his wedding we had a groom in an ill fitting kilt to deal with. He will not darken their door again. This was not a fly by night place either it was and is a well respected kilt maker in both Scotland and Canada. I talked to the kilt-maker at a later date and her explanation was that he must have lost weight, there was no way that she could have made a mistake, suffice to say I will not buy a kilt from them either.

creativeaccents · 9th December 07, 08:57 AM

This is what I actually received after the second kilt.......after having the correct measuring process explained in detail. Maybe it will help others in understanding the need to measure (or far better) have someone else measure at the correct level with a tape and at the navel for the traditional style, "Thank you for the quick delivery, but this one does not fit either. I wear a 36 in pant sizes, but because I need to wear this higher I am not ordering the right product. I apologize and want to commend you on being so patient with me. I leave the next call to you. Since I have been such a pain in your behind, if you would rather I not return this kilt then I will accept fault for being and ignorant kilt buyer, but if you would like to still do business, then I would like to send this back for your size 42. Either way Im going to give you excellent ratings in my feedback. Let me know and once again I am so sorry for the inconvenience."

**beloitpiper** · 9th December 07, 08:51 AM

Maybe he misunderstood and measured his hips (twice, second time more accurately) then later realized that "navel" meant bellybutton.

C'mon, not everybody is as intelligent as we are.

**ncof300d** · 9th December 07, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by creativeaccents

I had a customer inquire about kilt sizing, so I very carefully explained in detail the need to have someone with a tape measure evenly at the navel while being sure to keep the tape level. He ordered a size 36 Black Watch. A few days later I received his note saying essentially, "oops, I am bigger than I thought" and he needs a 38. Sent the 38 replacement for the swap at my cost. Now, receive a note saying what he really needs is a 42. That's a 6 inch spread from the original. Like any reputable supplier, I want buyers totally happy, but a third kilt with such a size disparity is a tad curious. Any of you ever have such trouble with your measuring? I will make the swap again, but this one seems more than a little curious.

I agree...36 to 42 is a big change. I would consider getting the first two kilts returned and send him the 42 with a note that you will not tolerate this again.

Also, for in the future you may want to help cover yourself by charging a restocking charge for returned items. I do not like the idea of that, but at some point you need to be sure that you are protecting your business and sometimes protecting your business involves policies that 'filter' potential customer abuse.

creativeaccents · 9th December 07, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by ncof300d

I agree...36 to 42 is a big change. I would consider getting the first two kilts returned and send him the 42 with a note that you will not tolerate this again.Also, for in the future you may want to help cover yourself by charging a restocking charge for returned items. I do not like the idea of that, but at some point you need to be sure that you are protecting your business and sometimes protecting your business involves policies that 'filter' potential customer abuse.

Like many, I have concentrated totally upon customer satisfaction and their being totally pleased with some "investment marketing" to develop loyal, thrilled clients. This is my first such experience and while I will do the repeated exchange to make him happy, the priority shipping makes this one a break even. But, I do think that you are right in that at some point any firm has to have policies that protect the client and the seller.

**Jennifer D** · 10th December 07, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by ncof300d

Also, for in the future you may want to help cover yourself by charging a restocking charge for returned items. I do not like the idea of that, but at some point you need to be sure that you are protecting your business and sometimes protecting your business involves policies that 'filter' potential customer abuse.

You might at least note that you reserve this right.

For our wedding my husband was nervous about getting the right size so we drove all the way to the kilt rental shop in the NY to get sized properly. They sent the wrong size except the bow tie. He wore his own kilt and we ran to the local tux shop to buy a shirt. Sometimes even the pros make mistakes.

**Ian.MacAllan** · 11th December 07, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by Jennifer D

. . . They sent the wrong size except the bow tie. . . .

So the package didn't even include a handkerchief? They might have gotten that size right too.

Reminds me of a catered dinner at which everything but the ice cream was cold.

.

**Chase** · 9th December 07, 08:58 AM

Hmmm, to be honest, my first time I ordered by my waist/pants size, the second time, I measured and orderded a 36, when it arrived, It was loose, I must have dropped an inch along the way, the third time, I ordered a 35 from Peter (CCK) and yesterday, I ordered a Standard SWK and my measurement was a 38???

Go figure...LOL...I don't think my waist size knows what my mind is trying to accomplish...I seem to have a serious disconnect...But let me say this...I will be happy with the 35" measurement as an insentive to lose weight later...Remember, I'm trying to beef up for the Houston Highland Games in May 2008, so I expect a bit of a variance...I will however, not inconvenience my kiltmaker...You have shown a great deal of patience and sacrifice for your customers, which I'm sure will pay bigger dividends later.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 9th December 07, 09:12 AM

I completely think the buyer should DEFINITELY, without question, have paid the shipping both ways on the 2nd return (if not the first, as he admitted he ordered his freaking pants size even though you told him to measure at the navel!) And, as to his feedback comment, he should have left you feedback immediately after receiving the first kilt. He was basically holding that for ransom. You did everything to uphold your end of the deal, he's the dee dee dee who couldn't follow simple instruction.

I get a little heated as I have sold some things on Ebay from time to time, and the ignorance of the general population never ceases to amaze me.