Bear Kilts prices go up August 1st

[bear]

It can be difficult striking a decent balance between making money and feeling you are charging a fair price. I have a mail order business of my own whereby I am relatively sure that I could double the price of my product to see the same gross sales figure. I would sell half as much product, but it would mean half as much work for the same amount of cash heading into the bank account. That sounds like good business to me, and it is, but the problem is that it doesn't feel like *friendly* business. I do not take that route since I like helping folks out and would rather help out as many as possible. As Bear is finding out, the money part is also important, though.

Good luck finding that balance, Bear.

Mychael

Mychael,
This is at the heart of the matter. I have always tried to keep costs down and get as many guys into kilts as possible. The business would then be profitable for all casual kiltmakers because there would be lots of customers.
Unfortunately, one kiltmaker can't do that by himself and stay in business. I would be creating customers for other kiltmakers, who charge more for less.
It's a little disheartening to have to raise my prices just to keep up. The customer is the one who pays more and that sucks.

[bear]

Well, I'd say that you're not the only kiltmaker trying to keep prices down (King Kilts still available for $67 in Black Watch), but I certainly understand your position.

I've gained new found respect for the difficulties of making a living in this business. The reason we can keep our prices so low is because I'm bringing home the largest paycheck and her income only supplements it.

We're turning a small profit. The key word is small. While King Kilts due to its unique situation will be able to keep our kilts at the same reasonable price, I do sympahtize with the decision that Bear has to make.

Elijah,
I agree you are keeping prices down, too. I'd like to add that SportKilt is also keeping the price down and selling a lot of kilts.
However, I was aiming my comments more at those kilts that are made in some of the higher priced materials.

[elijah]

We do use some of the higher priced material (at least $16 and $32 a yard seems kinda steep to me) and we've given some pretty good deals.

We had the Husband and Wife Pair, we fitted with matching Kilt/Kilted Skirt in Wool for around $200. The guy with the 65" waist, that we got him a kilt in his rare family tartan for a reasonable price.

Though, of course, our best deals will be on the cheaper fabrics, we always strive to give our customers, the best deal possible.

[Plastic Paddy]

Bear,

Now I'm going to feel bad if I get my order in before 1 August. Okay, not really, you know I'll be back.

I think your August 1st prices are still reasonable, just do what you have to do to stay in business... take care of your business to take care of our addictions.

Slainte,

Tobie