Back in July/August of 2009, I ordered and received a 'London' kilt and vest outfit from Alpha Kilts and its proprietor, Daron Thomas. We also had an e-mail conversation about commissioning a matching jacket and about how much fabric would be needed, which I purchased. The whole transaction went pretty well, though I was not impressed with the actual kilt and vest - both needed alteration. Lesson learned.

Then on November 6, 2009, I, along with about 40 others, I received this:

"Friends,

Our eventual goal has always been to provide the best quality kilt at the cheapest price. The target range for our kilts has been 60-75 dollars. I would like to match or beat the price of a pair of designer mens p@nt$. We have been working on a new design for the Edinburgh (knife pleated kilt with pockets) and are going to allow prior customers to test them out. These kilts will be $65 along with shipping. I would like to get a range of customers from the ones that have multiple Alpha Kilts to the ones that have never had a modern kilt.

We have added this product to the store. There will be no custom modifications to this kilt except length adjustments, which should be added to the comments field when you check out of the store and will be available in Black and Khaki.

Click here for ordering of the prototype <redacted>

Daron Thomas
AlphaKilts llc
http://www.alphakilts.com"

I ordered one almost immediately, with measurements and feedback. Daron sent several 'update' e-mails over the months, and by March 11(!), the product was ready to ship.

Mine arrived on the 20th via USPS, and was about 2 inches too big in the waist. I let Daron know on the 22nd, and he replied quickly: "No problem, we can take out the center box pleat that is inserted in the back. They are designed to remove the box pleat to make it smaller or add extra box pleats to make it bigger so its not an issue. Just send it back and we will get it fixed up for you. Our warranty provides for free alterations for the life of the kilt."

I shipped it back via UPS and got confirmation that it was delivered on March 25th. Since then I've sent e-mails and left voice messages, with no reply from Daron. No kilt, no refund, no satisfaction.

The e-mails Daron sent had an exposed "To:" list, so I've done a Reply All blast that garnered three responses in about 15 minutes from customers with similar experiences.

So, I'm posting this first to alert anyone considering a purchase from alphakilts.com or geekstyleinc.com to Stay Away.
Second, I'm soliciting feedback from fellow 'testers' about their experiences.

Whatcha think, Rabble?