Why Buy a Handsewn Traditional Kilt From a Middleman?

[Bob C]

Good post, Ron. I'd add that, for that kind of money, I want the kiltmaker to measure me, to be sure it's right. That's how I ordered my tank.

[Tattoo Bradley]

My first kilt was my Henderson Ancient 5 yarder. I didn't know a THING about kilting.. hadn't found Xmarks yet. So, I ordered via "middleman" through heritageofscotland.com. It's well made, and I'm happy with it for what it is. I'm glad I found this rabble before I bought a full on tank!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Good question Ron. I think that for the majority of people, they do not know any better. They are purchasing a kilt for a special occasion, wedding/Burns supper/piping. They do not spend the time in researching a kilt as someone who wants to wear it more often or wants to understand the makers and heritage behind the kilt. I got lucky that I found XMarks before I bought my first kilt and had a lot of good knowledge to work from, but most are not that fortunate.

[turpin]

I ordered my first through Kiltstore before I joined XMTS. I can only assume they farm them out because they are an internet only store (I think). Now that I know of all the options available for custom kilts, I'd deal direct with those recommended here who are on this side of the pond (to avoid the duties thing as well as be nearer the source). Since I am only 3hours from Matt newsome, he may be my next tank maker, but I'm thinking first of a semi-trad from Rocky.

[Southern Breeze]

Good post and questions. I'd have to agree that others order through middlemen because they haven't learned about the options. And learning about those options is IMHO one of the best things about X-Marks.

[Scotus]

Maybe it's because some kiltmakers won't deal with the public; they sew kilts and that's it. They probably want to leave it up to someone else to do the business of selling. I know of a little shop in Edinburgh, and the lady who makes the kilts has been doing so for many, many, many years. I just imagine some kiltmakers are more private and are thankful to have a "middleman."

[Cawdorian]

The important thing is to deal with somone you can trust and who has a good reputation in the business, I bought my latest kilt from Matt Newsome because I wanted to properly measured for it. I knew it would take 8 to 12 weeks to get the kilt, it's being made by Lochcarron and should arrive in the next few weeks. I have purchased quite a few items from the museum and never been disapointed with the service or the finished product.

Some of the hidden fees you encounter when ordering a kilt from Scotland can be a surprise. The price of the kilt will be adjusted for the dollar/pound exchange rate on the day it is shipped. You can also be charged customs fees and currency exchange fees. I would rather let a middleman who knows the business handle the kiltmaking and importation process for me. It will save you a few headaches.

[Pour1Malt]

always best tae gae straicht tae the kiltmaker if ya can...

that is why ai use my local Anderson's Kiltmakers here in Dumfries...

[davedove]

I think one good reason for going through a middle man here in the States has already been mentioned - customs fees. By using a local merchant, the merchant is the one who deals with all the currency fluctuations, customs fees, etc.

I do however, prefer dealing directly with the kiltmaker, especially local ones. All but one of my tailored kilts has been made by stateside kiltmakers. I have kilts from Kathy Lare, Alexis Malcolm, and Matt Newsome.

[Riverkilt]

Aye,

That's find for the shy kiltmaker, but why should I, as a kilt buyer, wanna deal with -and pay - that third party just for the shy kiltmaker's peace of mind?

I don't recall ever seeing a thread where someone dealing direct with a kiltmaker for a hand sewn traditional kilt was having a problem with delivery or getting a response to questions by phone or email. There seem to be quite a few from someone dealing with a middleman for a hand sewn kilt was dealing with an unresponsive middleman.

I just think working direct gets such better service.

Ron