Advice to new kilt wearers

[Geoff Withnell]

If you are a prospective new kilt wearer, looking to buy their first kilt, or already wearing a kilt and looking to buy some
more kit, here is some advice:

You were blessed to land here at XMarks early in you kilt experience. Ask questions, figure out what your style is. We will help.
We have all been there. Some more recently than others. I started wearing a kilt occasionally about 6 years ago, and wearing
mostly full time about 4 years ago. We have people who are very traditional, very modern, have a lot of resources (aka cash)
and not so much. And everywhere in between. And once you know what you want - here is the critical part-

Go to an XMarks merchant!

There are lots of good, ethical, Scottish attire merchants, not affliated with XMarks. But as a newbie, you won't go wrong
dealing with our suppliers. And you might go sadly wrong else where.

I have bought from a considerable cross section of the merchants here. And they have all been very helpful, both when I was
a newbie with all the uncertainty that involves, and now that I am at least a bit of an "old hand".

[LitTrog]

Terrific post, Mr. Withnell. This needs to be stated and restated. As you said, there are many non-advertisers out there who are exceptional craftsmen and sound businessmen. (and women) But if a noob doesn't know what to look for, the whole kilting experience can be terribly soured. When I first started I bugged the heck out of two men--Rocky from USA Kilts and John Hart from Keltoi--busy men, both. But they patiently answered my questions and gave advice only when it was solicited (no-upselling). Nail on the head, sir.

You might save a little money going elsewhere. You also might lose every penny you paid. With the merchants who advertise here, you know that you will get what you're paying for. (ugly cliche, but true). Plus, it's a way to support those who support us! You'd be supporting yourself!

Now, if I could just afford to move out of my mom's basement...

[gordontaos]

I have three kilts and all of the assorted goodies to go with each of them. All were purchased through vendors on or suggested by folks on this site. I have yet to be disappointed, and have always been more than satisfied with my purchases.

[Zardoz]

Solid advice Geoff! I wish I'd found this forum a little earlier than I did!

[tekdiver500ft]

To be sure, buying from a forum sponsor is no guarantee of good service or quality merchandise. I recently had an horrid experience with a sponsor. I won't name names as this isn't the place, but be warned, not every sponsor is as good as an other.

[dea3369]

Sage advice, indeed, Geoff. I wonder if mentioning to the sponsor that one is a member of the XMTS rabble might pave the way to a more positive buying experience. I believe vendors try to make a connection with a prospective customer (because that usually results in actual customers). We, customers, might as well let the vendor know that we have a connection other than "I found you via Google" and maybe that will get us some preferential treatment.

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Tekdiver500ft
So, if you have been 'robbed, defrauded & misc." by a vendor, how do the rest of the rabble know to avoid the fellow, if he is not Named? The Amish practise "Shunning", should we take up that policy, to keep Vendors honest?
As Ever
CSA

[Nick the DSM]

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