more doom and gloom...

[Mickey]

Mickey, that's just gorgeous! I don't spend a lot of time fishing, but a rod like that must be a joy to use.

I think it's the problem Scottish sporran makers are having right now. They're making the same thing as they have been for decades. Now Pakistan is doing it for less. Instead of changing their business model, they're being driven out of the game. <snip>

ith:

Thank you good sir High compliment indeed from someone like you! I certainly hope that it is being happily and proudly used by the recipient. It kind of annoys me a little when I hear that people hung one of mine on the wall rather be out enjoying the benefits of a fine rod. And you are so correct in all else, IMO.

In my opinion, the fact that not all Scottish craftspeople are perfect in their business relations does not argue for the mass importation of cheap third-world-made merchandise which undermines native Scottish crafts. <snip>

The cheap imported stuff isn't flooding the markets because of poor service, but because that's what the majority of people want. It's the "Disposable Era". Most people today just don't enjoy good stuff anymore. A nice watch used to be an heirloom. Now, nobody wants that "old thing". They want shiny and new, and 12 of them, so they want cheap. What I've found out though, is that the people who want something original and well crafted will avoid the garbage and seek out what they want, and happily pay what it costs, provided that someone is willing to offer what they are looking for. The people who buy $30 rods, will never come to me, at least seriously. The El Cheapos are good enough for them so that is where their limit is. But someone who comes to me, dictates what they want. If I only offered one thing, why would someone pay a premium if they can get a look alike for less?

I agree with you about the labeling. I think it is that places think that people expect to see the word Scotland on certain things, and will try and work it into the description where they can.