Local vendor or on-line companies

[WillowEstate]

I agree with what's been said in the thread. For something as personal as a kilt, with so many options, being able to talk personally to a local kilt maker is worth it's weight in gold - 10% is a real bargain! For more standard items, no problems with online vendors, especially if recommended by a trusted source - e.g. X-Marks.

[duke_19_62]

I'm always a support of "Shop Local". That being said, in Annapolis, Maryland, there is one shop, Irish Traditions, that has anything at all. They hire kilt outfits, but the also sell. As their name implies, they sell primarily Irish goods, but the do have a selection of Scottish gear too. I haven't bought a kilt from them, but may if they can get the Maryland tartan. I have bought accessories, a flask, a kilt belt, hose, and the prices were competitive. While some prices may be higher, not only is there customer service, but the convenience of having it now, not waiting for delivery. Again, Irish Traditions, 141 Main St., Annapolis, MD www.irishtraditionsonline.com

[scottmphoto]

Like many has said, I always try to support local business first, that being said, I live nowhere close to a business, so anything I can't make myself, I have to order. My wife is a pretty fair seamstress and she is making me a bonnet in the near future just as soon as I can find the right yarn. I'm hoping that I can convince her to make a few new kilts for me or at least let me use her sewing machine.

[mookien]

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

The obvious (trite?) answer is "as much as you're willing to pay for what you perceive as superior customer service".

I'm pretty sure I bought my first kilt (an 8-yard, 15 oz. Blaylock) from the same vendor - Scottish Treasures, Celtic Corner. Their website may be perused at ...

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=scottish+treasures

I was a naive (ignorant) tourist at the Pleasanton Games with my brother (an expert on Scottish attire) to advise me. I told the lady at the counter that I was charging her with making me look like I stepped off the label of a Scottish shortbread can. She immediately, but kindly, told me that would be impossible. I took a liking to her right away.

To make a long story short she (the daughter of the owners at the time) measured us, had the cloth woven by Dalgliesh, and the kilts sewn by whom she later described as "contract kilt makers" from Gaelic Themes. We had a great experience overall, and in short order (8 weeks I seem to recall, eg Dalgliesh shipped the cloth within a week of receiving the order!) we were the proud owners of two beautiful kilts. Picture of mine below.
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JWB in kilt 3.JPG
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Note that the kilt is worn a bit low by the model. He had done his first walk in a kilt and had no idea it slipped down. Also, the kilts were made as "high rise" kilts, so they have to be worn just under the rib cage to fall at the top of the knees. I showed this kilt to my "local" kilt maker and her comments were that they were well made, machine sewn, but they shouldn't have made them for us because they were "military kilts" - high rise.

Note also the heirloom Buzz Kidder sporran with magnetic closure.

[Chaps]

Mookien,
You correctly identified the local shop. I know both the parents as well as the daughter. You also identified correctly the level of service which is excellent. I think I had already made up my mind to continue to buy most of my Scottish attire from Scottish Treasures and am willing to pay for the service. We also attend the same church which adds another layer to the relationship. It has been encouraging to hear from you and the rest who have contributed. I am blessed to have access to such a great shop and am appreciative of the level of service. I think I agree with the majority of those who have commented and will continue to pay for the great service.

[Nathan]

I think great customer service is essential and I'm also determined to get the best price. I don't think these things are mutually exclusive. I use my local kilt shop frequently for alterations and some small accessories. I also keep an eye on their clearance items.

But it's very tough for a brick and mortar shop to compete with ebay etc...

One example is that I purchased a used seal skin sporran with a silver plated cantle on ebay for under $55, shipped. The same quality of new sporran in my local shop costs $450 and, while I don't think his price is unfair, I'm not in that market.

For me, if I'm going to shell out huge bucks, I want something one of a kind. If it's generic kit that has been the same for decades and likely came from the same factory, I find it very difficult to pay retail.

For me, it was worth more to have custom tartan (Argyll) hose made to my size and specifications by xmarks advertizer Keltoi since I would likely never find something like that online or in my local shop. I've never seen John from Keltoi but I've spoken to him on the phone and can testify to his first class customer service. It was tested and he passed with flying colours.

I'm also lucky to be a very common sized man (38 -40 R, 5'11). I have 8 kilt jackets and I think I paid about $450 for all of them together, accounting for alterations. I might buy one high quality kilt jacket new for that locally.

Admittedly, I have not accounted for the opportunity cost of combing auction websites, vintage and thrift shops because I enjoy that activity as a hobby.

If you have the income to touch it, feel it, and have it made to measure and perfect, I say go for it and thank the Almighty for the blessings. I've been burned by some online deals, but got most of my money back in the aftermarket. In the end, I have a high-quality, distinctive and varied wardrobe and have paid a fraction of the cost it would be in a shop. I take some pride in that.

A final note, I'm having a special, heirloom quality sporran made by xmarks advertiser, Artificer. It is not something that I could ever find on a shelf in a kilt shop as it will be one of a kind and very personal. I can justify this expense because I was so frugal with my other purchases.

I've never met him and can't walk into his shop, but I have seen his work, read glowing testimonials and can speak to him on xmarks for via email whenever I like. His reputation for customer service is great!

I'm glad there are local shops in my city and give them business when I can. I'd buy an ex-hire item or a clearance item but I just don't have the budget to pay what people ask for new retail when, with patience and knowledge of quality, I can get the exact same thing for 10% of the asking price.

A great vendor with good customer service is worth their weight in gold whether they run an online business, ebay shop, brick and mortar location or all of the above.

Use online vendors you can trust if you go that route but beware of faceless websites selling cheap, imported, clothing with stolen photos. You are risking your money doing so because even when the item arrives as promised, you'll often replace it because the poor quality will bother you.

[JohntheBiker]

In general, I try to support local vendors because I appreciate the convenience, their customer care and I have developed relationships with them over the years. We are fortunate in this area to have a number of good, knowledgeable vendors and two of the advertisers on this site are within an hours drive. There is lots of choice and you just have to pick your price tolerance. Almost all of my highland wardrobe has been purchased locally with the exception some vintage or specialty items.

[briansbarkery]

I think great customer service is essential and I'm also determined to get the best price. I don't think these things are mutually exclusive. I use my local kilt shop frequently for alterations and some small accessories. I also keep an eye on their clearance items.

But it's very tough for a brick and mortar shop to compete with ebay etc...

One example is that I purchased a used seal skin sporran with a silver plated cantle on ebay for under $55, shipped. The same quality of new sporran in my local shop costs $450 and, while I don't think his price is unfair, I'm not in that market.

For me, if I'm going to shell out huge bucks, I want something one of a kind. If it's generic kit that has been the same for decades and likely came from the same factory, I find it very difficult to pay retail.

For me, it was worth more to have custom tartan (Argyll) hose made to my size and specifications by xmarks advertizer Keltoi since I would likely never find something like that online or in my local shop. I've never seen John from Keltoi but I've spoken to him on the phone and can testify to his first class customer service. It was tested and he passed with flying colours.

I'm also lucky to be a very common sized man (38 -40 R, 5'11). I have 8 kilt jackets and I think I paid about $450 for all of them together, accounting for alterations. I might buy one high quality kilt jacket new for that locally.

Admittedly, I have not accounted for the opportunity cost of combing auction websites, vintage and thrift shops because I enjoy that activity as a hobby.

If you have the income to touch it, feel it, and have it made to measure and perfect, I say go for it and thank the Almighty for the blessings. I've been burned by some online deals, but got most of my money back in the aftermarket. In the end, I have a high-quality, distinctive and varied wardrobe and have paid a fraction of the cost it would be in a shop. I take some pride in that.

A final note, I'm having a special, heirloom quality sporran made by xmarks advertiser, Artificer. It is not something that I could ever find on a shelf in a kilt shop as it will be one of a kind and very personal. I can justify this expense because I was so frugal with my other purchases.

I've never met him and can't walk into his shop, but I have seen his work, read glowing testimonials and can speak to him on xmarks for via email whenever I like. His reputation for customer service is great!

I'm glad there are local shops in my city and give them business when I can. I'd buy an ex-hire item or a clearance item but I just don't have the budget to pay what people ask for new retail when, with patience and knowledge of quality, I can get the exact same thing for 10% of the asking price.

A great vendor with good customer service is worth their weight in gold whether they run an online business, ebay shop, brick and mortar location or all of the above.

Use online vendors you can trust if you go that route but beware of faceless websites selling cheap, imported, clothing with stolen photos. You are risking your money doing so because even when the item arrives as promised, you'll often replace it because the poor quality will bother you.

I tend to agree with what you said. I myself am in that same type of bracket. If I can afford it I would have a kilt of every tartan made. But I can't afford that and I do love to shop and find a bargain. Again you do have to look for quality as well when one shops so going and finding things second hand works out for me so far if I can find it a bargain. I do like having new things but being under a budget at times can keep one from affording that new custom made 8 yard kilt. So I tend to get my things off the rack for now.

[tundramanq]

I am truly blessed to have a great kilt maker within walking distance, Kathy Lare ( kathyskilts.com ).
If I should decide to get a top notch custom fitted wool kilt, I will go with her.
For my kilt use as daily wear. I would be wasting her time and my money to make machine washable kilts in PV - I wear them out!

Online choices are vast and I have sampled a few of the kilts from several. None from ebay - I know better.
I have made USA Kilts my source because they meet my requirements.
Quality comes first, in material and workmanship. Not a problem yet and I am buying the "bottom of the line" casuals.
Service is great online, phone and e-mail. I have custom requirments for all my kilts. Belt loop size and/or pleating to sett.
Never an error. Lead time is currenty 8-9 weeks. They are buried and I am in no hurry.
Price $100-140 for kilts that have survived daily wear and some pretty rough use for over 2 years and still look good. Oh Hurt Me!

The Highland Games Vendors have some nice "off the shelf" stuff. My reservations for kilts there is I don't know them or where they will be when I need help with a problem.

[BBNC]

I try to buy locally whenever I can. Very often, developing a relationship can be worth more than money. When I was looking for my kilt, I was delighted to discover my local vendor (1-1/2 hours away) was able to order a bespoke, 10 yd, handmade, 15oz. wool from Dalgleish for no more than some online vendors wanted, and less than some. Did I say I'm rather portly? I did have to select a version of my tartan Dalgleish was set up to weave to avoid substantial extra cost. This included measuring me up in person, and actually trying on the kilt in their shop, before taking it.