Local vendor or on-line companies

**Chaps** · 4th June 14, 09:13 PM

I have been struggling with a dilemma and am seeking the counsel of those who are wise in all things kilt related. I have made most of my major purchases (2 kilts, argyle jacket and waistcoat) from a local shop. (My wife actually rented the first kilt I ever wore from this shop.) The local shop works with long established contacts/vendors in Scotland and everything in the shop is high quality. The prices are 10-20% higher than similar items in some of the on-line sites and of course I have to pay state sales tax. I just cancelled an order with a major on-line vendor and instead placed my kilt order at the local shop for considerably more money. I love the customer service and the expertise in the shop. If there were ever an issue with an order, I have no doubt that it would be taken care of. I am planning to buy another kilt (8 yd. clergy ancient) next fall, and at this point will probably go back to the local shop. I guess I am asking myself and all of you, how much is great customer service worth when it comes to purchasing kilts?

**brewerpaul** · 4th June 14, 10:07 PM

It is worth everything.

**okiwen** · 4th June 14, 10:40 PM

When given the option, I will gladly pay more for personal service or soon we will have none. Now, if the difference is great I will give the local vendor and opportunity to meet half way.

**Machaggisnz** · 4th June 14, 10:44 PM

There are plenty of products I happily pay a premium for in order to shop locally and have access to the backup and expertise of the store owner. Reporting back and forwards to New Zealand can really add up so I often take the local route.

**MacGumerait** · 4th June 14, 10:53 PM

Chaps ,

I very much understand and applaud your support of your local vendor , I'm a big fan of supporting local trades .

Many of us don't have a local vendor for Highland attire thus we must rely on the on-line vendors .

I have made a few minor purchases from some e-bay stores .... some have been okay ... some not .

However ... I have made many major purchases from 8 or 9 of the XMarks advertisers / vendors and have experienced great customer service every time . Also , I have made purchases from craftsmen recommended by XMarks members and XMarks hobbyists . Great service and great products each time .

" Great customer service " is definitely important when purchasing a kilt , jacket , sporran , etc . If you find yourself needing ( or wanting ) to use " on-line " vendors .... I would recommend the advertisers here or other craftsmen recommended here . I think you will find these folks are truly of high merit and you will get "the next best thing " to actually walking into an actual shop .

Look forward to seeing your 8 yd Clergy Ancient , I really like the tartan . Remember , post pics .

Best regards , Mike

**briansbarkery** · 5th June 14, 04:12 AM

I myself have to rely on the online vendors or vendors at the area highland games for my purchases. So far I haven't had too much problem. I pretty much stick to a couple vendors that I have had some great experience with and from the Rabble. I have only had one problem so far and it is on the way of being corrected by the vendor without much problem. I would dearly love to have a local vendor that I could go to. I can only think of one near me (2 hours drive) and that is in St. Charles MO. So if you have a local vendor I would go with that and maybe haggle the price a bit.

**MNlad** · 5th June 14, 04:52 AM

I guess I am asking myself and all of you, how much is great customer service worth when it comes to purchasing kilts?

You state your local shop's prices are 10%-20% higher than you can find online. How much do you tip a waiter or waitress for exceptional service? Actually, to me that seems quite reasonable for the opportunity to see and touch an item before I buy it. Throw in the expertise of the folks in the shop, perhaps individual measurements & fitting, and the ability to see someone face-to-face if something is amiss, and that price difference seems like a bargain.

Like many here, I have great respect for, and have made many purchases from, the vendors who advertise here. However, if I can buy local (which I often can't) I certainly try.

**BCAC** · 5th June 14, 05:14 AM

You are on the right place to get recommendations from customers of online vendors. It is possible to get great customer service when buying online. You can't go far wrong if you use one of XMarks advertisers but there are others also that are excellent merchants that give good customer service. Mistakes can happen but it is how the company reacts to mistakes which make them stand out (or not).

Just put up a post asking a question like "I'm in the market for Tattersall shirts (or anything else, really), can anyone recommend a supplier, please?" and the rabble will come through with recommendations and stories of their own experiences. You should not have to pay 20% over the odds plus state sales tax just to support your local shop unless he is actually going the "extra mile" to make it worth your while.

**MacKenzie** · 5th June 14, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by MacGumerait

Chaps ,

I very much understand and applaud your support of your local vendor , I'm a big fan of supporting local trades .

Many of us don't have a local vendor for Highland attire thus we must rely on the on-line vendors .

However ... I have made many major purchases from 8 or 9 of the XMarks advertisers / vendors and have experienced great customer service every time . Also , I have made purchases from craftsmen recommended by XMarks members and XMarks hobbyists . Great service and great products each time .

"Great customer service" is definitely important when purchasing a kilt , jacket , sporran , etc . If you find yourself needing (or wanting) to use "on-line" vendors .... I would recommend the advertisers here or other craftsmen recommended here. I think you will find these folks are truly of high merit and you will get "the next best thing" to actually walking into an actual shop .

Mike saved me from typing my reply.

**RockyR** · 5th June 14, 05:47 AM

If you have a local source for Highland Wear with quality goods, by all means, support them! Unfortunately, kilts and highland wear are a very niche market... a market which would not support a shop in every town. Instead, shops like the local one you like are generally few and far between. If you have one locally, you're luckier than many kilt wearers in the US. BTW... If they're a quality source, share their name!

The beauty of the interwebs is that you (and the rest of us) can shop at many of those shops, without setting foot in the door! It's true that you don't get the same experience of touching and inspecting and trying on a jacket before buying, but if it's your only option, you must do a bit of digging, make a few phone calls and take a leap of faith. Some stores have videos / info / images / 3D tours of their store on their site which give you the next best feeling to being there. Frankly, MOST reputable shops in a niche market such as this will have a web presence as it's tough to make a living on 'walk in' traffic alone!