Crackdown urged over kilt cheats

[ByDand]

It didn't take long on the Royal Mile to learn a very important lesson.

Some manufacturers would insert labels that said "Designed in Scotland". Heaven only knows where it was manufactured, but the visible label was made to be a real sleeper. ??:

A very long time ago, in another life, I was a foreman in a ladies shoe factory. The people inserted insoles in the shoes that said "Made in Italy". The insoles were in fact made in Italy so the company could do this. The shoes were made in PA. So much for truth in advertising! :-?

[An t-Ileach]

It would be nice if the Department of Trade did the same for sporrans, belts, and bagpipes.

If people are having to buy the stuff from India, Pakistan, or the PRC because it's cheap they should at least know where it comes from. In fact if it's cheap (say £14) it probably comes from China or India (I've no objection to people saving money by going for the cheaper options; that's their right and, maybe, need).

But take a dress sporran (metal cantle, metal tassel balls, fur, and all), for example - for a quality item made in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK) the materials costs alone would be around £60, and labour costs could raise that to approaching £100. So the £120-£160 you would have to spend for a Janet Eagleton or Margaret Morrison (or from me) sporran reflects this and would be a good price.

The same item from India or China should retail for about £50-£70 - so if you're being asked for £114 for one (which I've seen) then you're being ripped off.

Competition is all well and good, but the customer should be fully informed about what he or she is considering buying before he (or she) commits to the purchase (which is why I usually list where I get the items from, such as "Sedgwick's English bridle leather" or whatever).

[jfellrath]

A very long time ago, in another life, I was a foreman in a ladies shoe factory. The people inserted insoles in the shoes that said "Made in Italy". The insoles were in fact made in Italy so the company could do this. The shoes were made in PA. So much for truth in advertising! :-?

Sounds like the Wal-Mart "Made In America" logos going into their clothes made in Taiwan, etc.

[minimalistix]

BBC Scotland is reporting this story today -- It's a good first step!

Todd

Good. Seems this happens a lot on ebay. People advertising saying they're in on country, but when the package shows up, it could be from a completely different hemisphere.

[minimalistix]

Sounds like the Wal-Mart "Made In America" logos going into their clothes made in Taiwan, etc.

Yeah, full disclosure on a easy to find website would probably be the best way to stop these BS % games some companies play.

[Big Paul]

I'm all for truth in advertising!!

[Mike n NC]

Sounds like the Wal-Mart "Made In America" logos going into their clothes made in Taiwan, etc.

That policy died with Sam. Just like the buy from local producers/small business policy.
I agree with both sides here. I do have a right to buy from anyone/where I choose but I also have the right to the true origin/content of a product so that I can make an informed decision.
I even know some people that still do the old "don't buy Japanese cars, you'll put an American out of work" line. Fact is, the Pacific Rim auto companies employ more Americans than most American auto makers.

Mike

[switchblade5984]

I agree that truth in labeling is essential. People have a right to know what they're buying.

Now, let me take a stand that will be less popular: If Scottish manufacturers did not charge such outrageously high prices, imports would not be a problem.

aye less cheep kilts........

[Jimmy Carbomb]

How could ANYONE have an objection to that?!!

"Made in Scotland" means exactly that. Of course, it there's a Scotland, Ohio we're in for some REAL confusion. There is a Dublin, Ohio which would make a lovely place to create Celtic gifts.

Being that the majority of "tartan" is not manufactured in Scotland, they have one heck of a battle on their hands. What's the difference if the product is sewn-up in Edinburgh when the entire garment is milled elsewhere? Taiwan, China, Pakistan or wherever has 90% of the product made in their country. Sure that's a poor excuse... but do they have any rights to the manufacturing claim?

How many Fords, Chryslers and Chevys are made in Mexico, Canada or the Far East? Are they still American cars since they carry the faceplates of American companies?

It's a bit touchy of a subject with many, but one that has arguments beyond anything you could imagine!

I must say in closing that ANYTHING as important as kilts or celtic accessories that claim to be made in Ireland or Scotland NEED to be authentic. Much like Stetson cowboy hats... I would HATE to find that mine was made in Syria!!! There is a certain respect that needs to be recognized when you're dealing with items of culture and heritage.

Let's face it, I wouldn't really care if the banjo strings I use were made in China but said "Made in Scotland". It just doesn't hold the same threshold.;-)

[GMan]

It didn't take long on the Royal Mile to learn a very important lesson.

Some manufacturers would insert labels that said "Designed in Scotland". Heaven only knows where it was manufactured, but the visible label was made to be a real sleeper. ??:

I heartily agree.