Quote Originally Posted by Nathan View Post
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.