a message that needs to be heard

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 10:16 AM

Technically this isn't a kilt-making post, but it contains a message which needs to be heard, I think.

I just bought a bunch of sunbrella fabric from Sailrite. Sailors will know who they are. The material is for a weather-resistant cover for my little 15 foot boat. Sailrite is an online store, in a VERY niche market....sailors who want to do canvas or sail work DIY.

Kind of niche, eh? Sort of like how kilts and kilt gear is "niche".

If I was going to shop out the job...have someone else do it I'd go with my friend Synthia at her little company "Beats Mowing the Lawn" ANY day. Synthia has made spinnakers for me, and gotten me the stuff I needed for my emergency sail repair kit. That's kind of like how Lady Chrystel made my Capercaillie kilt. However, this project is something I can handle, so I bought the stuff from Sailrite.

Here's the thing...I found the exact same stuff on ebay for about 1/3rd less. You know what? I bought it from Sailrite instead, because they provide a really valuable service and reasonable prices to sailors who are willing to tackle DIY sail and canvas work. This market is small. No local place can do what Sailrite does, the internet is their market, but can you find the stuff cheaper somewhere else, sometimes? Yes. Sometimes. BUT.

I want them to stay in business. Someday I'm going to want to buy a new sailmakers palm, or #6 luff tape, and if Sailrite isn't there, then just where am I going to find it? When I have a question, who am I going to ask? the answer to that is Synthia, but I digress

Sometimes price isn't the most important thing. Think about that the next time you walk into a vendors booth at the Games or a brick and mortar shop to try on a jacket. You figure out the exact size, walk out and then holler triumphantly here at X Marks about how you saved so much money by buying it from someone else, online. Yeah. Think about that.

Just MHO, OK, well maybe not so humble.

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 10:18 AM

BTW, I checked with Synthia before I bought the stuff from Sailrite and she didn't have any "cadet gray" in stock and said that she wouldn't sell enough of it to buy a bolt, which is what she usually buys....so go get it at Sailrite.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 18th October 11, 11:13 AM

Thank you for that, Alan.

**Mirthlesstroll** · 18th October 11, 11:42 AM

My husband does this as well. He takes our sons to the local comic shop and buys them books there. He could get it cheaper on Amazon.com, but if everyone does that, then no more local comic shops, or any other Mom 'n' Pop places.

**zirrow** · 18th October 11, 11:43 AM

I wholeheartedly agree. We often forget that the sometimes higher prices we see go to cover the cost of having an item for you to try on or an associate available to answer questions. When someone goes to or calls a shop for these services and then purchases the item online because it's cheaper, they are effectively stealing, at least time, from the shop that provided them service.

**Spartan Tartan** · 18th October 11, 02:48 PM

If I could try on what I want, I'd never buy online... I totally agree, I will alwats pay more to ensure I get the quality i desire over saving a penny and settling for just the right size while quality suffers.

**brewerpaul** · 18th October 11, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by zirrow

I wholeheartedly agree. We often forget that the sometimes higher prices we see go to cover the cost of having an item for you to try on or an associate available to answer questions. When someone goes to or calls a shop for these services and then purchases the item online because it's cheaper, they are effectively stealing, at least time, from the shop that provided them service.

Ill echo this sentiment having owned a small business that sold outdoor clothing and gear. In our age of conspicuous consumption it is easy too walk into a store, shop around and then compare prices on your I-toy. Frankly in a mall of megastores that doesnt bother me much because they sell the lines driven by fashion, or the lack of, the almighty dollar and vanity. This is all built on the sweatshops we have created regardless of our knowledge of it. You want cheap running shoes or Northface Jackets dont expect them to have a made in USA label but expect them to be made by USA companies that have been given free reign to profit from the third world and you. As a retailer in the beginning of the dot com era I had people walk into my store wanting attention, fitting and information only to turn to me and say "I can get this item on such and such web site for less, what will you do for me." Usually my answer would be "I wont provide any customer service for you if that item isnt right, thank you for your time but I have other work to do." It is easy to e-shop and find a deal, I have done it at times. But in the realms of things does that really support our local economy. We like to blame China, Pakistan and other countries for ... Im not sure what we blame them for because our countries relocated there for company profits. As a nation we should be outraged and require our jobs back here making goods we consume. This filters down to everything including our food sources. I feed myself and my girlfriend on food we buy, can and freeze from our local farmers market. This is what needs to be brought back to our country, along with a living wage for the people who produce the items. You cant expect a working class to work for nothing then turn around and support the economy. Ill refaim from talking about the well to do that expect a deal that digs into your narrow profit margin every time they buy from you.. The expect this just because.... they are them....

**BEEDEE** · 18th October 11, 03:05 PM

As another customer of Sailrite I can only endorse Alan's comments. What he failed to mention, however, is their service level which I rank up there with Stillwater kilts for delivery and Rocky at USA Kilts for customer service.

It's going that 'extra mile' that makes them what they are and deserving of our support.

Brian

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by BEEDEE

As another customer of Sailrite I can only endorse Alan's comments. What he failed to mention, however, is their service level which I rank up there with Stillwater kilts for delivery and Rocky at USA Kilts for customer service.

It's going that 'extra mile' that makes them what they are and deserving of our support.

Brian

Sailrite is AWESOME.

...kind of like Rocky and Kelly, yeah.