You get what you pay for

[berserkbishop]

Well, I used to kind of "apprentice" in a leather shop so I think I am just going to build my own. I have stitched several saddle bags in my time, so I think I can save myself some money if I just build it myself. I can buy an entire shoulder of nice leather for the price of one BK sporran. Not saying that they arent worth it but since I can do it, why not. Anyone bought Jerrys standard 3 tassel sporran. I had my brother pick it up when he bought his nightstalker standard kilt. He was on a tight budget and I really liked my kilt so I was just hoping that anything jerry sold was a good as his kilts.

[James MacMillan]

Sorry to say, but the majority of us have been where you are.

You discovered the wonder of kilting, and you wanted to get in deeper as quickly as possible. All of us, with more that a few kilts, have some in the closet that we just don't wear. Either because of poor workmanship, or shoddy materials.

It looks like you got stung in both catagories.

The good part, is that several venders sell quality leather and buckles that can improve that part of your kilt. Jerry at SWK has a nice leather/buckle set that will work fine.

The cheap sporran? Well there is nothing you can do with that, except to maybe sell it at a loss to a local halloween costume shop.

But the lesson learned, is really more valuable than everything else.

The next time that you see something that seems too good to be true, post a question here, and you will be amazed at how fast you can get some answers.

The kilt, at least, sounds like it can be fixed!

[ncof300d]

[QUOTE=berserkbishop;426324]So, I ordered my "first" kilt of Ebay about 3 weeks ago. It was in the Honour of Scotland tartan and I combined that with a sporran from the same seller to save on shipping. I ordered my MacLeod hunting standard from SWK about a week after I ordered my Ebay kilt and I received it in 3 days due to the SWK warp speed, space time continuum machine. Needless to say, the SWK was amazing quality for the price. After wearing my Hunting Macleod this Ebay kilt was a complete disappointment. The ebay kilt really isint bad, but I paid more for it than I did for my MacLeod (my family tartan) from SWK. The ebay kilts buckles are cheap, along with the leather. It is a very light PV. It was advertised as a 7-8 yrd kilt in 16 oz material but it is very obviously not.

I like the Honour of Scotland tartan that you purchased on eBay. I understand your concern. who is the eBay seller?

[berserkbishop]

[QUOTE=ncof300d;426446]

who is the eBay seller?

Fredonline or somthing like that. The kilt really isint that bad if you are after that tartan or tartan imitation. Just some cheap features about it. The sporran is just aweful though. I would be embarassed to send anyone a piece of junk like that1

[GreenDragon]

that sucks, dude. i'd send back the sporran and ask for a refund, if it's worth the postage to send it back, that is.

[creativeaccents]

On eBay, just as in many other venues, it pays to read thoroughly, look at all images very carefully, ask questions and never assume. I would think this true of any online purchase. Even in a "brick and mortar" store it's good to know what you are buying and the terms for customer support. Reputable eBay store owners want you thrilled with every sale so that you will come back and deliver POSITIVE recommendations and reviews to friends. Even one negative feedback stands out like a sore thumb. In my buying estate and other pipes on eBay I have had a few negative surprises, but far and away many extremely good experiences. I make it a point to read the various pipe forums to hear what others are saying. BAD sellers WILL quickly be known on those forums, just as they are here! However, reputable store owners will do everything possible to assure that you are more than satisfied. With my small MENSPLACE store I have been pleased to receive 100% positive feedback, but doing so surely hasn't come from unhappy customers, many of whom have become regular clients in a worldwide community.

[Riverkilt]

Hey Padre, I'm with Kid Cossack,

Who'd have EVER thought that vertical stripe shirts would go with tartans! Way to push the edge of the envelope. Freedom and creativity rule the kilt world.

As far as the sporran, NEVER EVER buy a sporran from a seller who does not give the sporran measurements. Even some of the well know sporran suppliers think we don't need to know the size of the product we're buying (still no clue why they cling to that notion) and as a result I've ordered up some sporrans I couldn't get my hand into.

Don't buy sporrans without knowing the measurements. Insist!

And remember, there's a great search engine on this board that can bring you lots of wisdom to help you with your purchasing decisions...some of the flashy websites offer junk and heartbreak. Some of the low key folks are where you'll find the value.

Consider starting to save for a hand sewn kilt in your clan tartan. You deserve to strut your clan tartan in a tank.

But always remember: You can have any two (or less) of price, quality, or service. Post that little reminder near your credit card and heed it when shopping.

Ron
Who also learned the hard way a few times

[Arlen]

It's a shame you got such a bad deal.
I've mostly been lucky with Ebay, but I have had a few bad experiences, as well.

Whatever the bad luck, you look very good.
And that is a very cool belt.

[berserkbishop]

Consider starting to save for a hand sewn kilt in your clan tartan. You deserve to strut your clan tartan in a tank.

s

Well, for Christmas, my grandmother is going to make me a custom tank. She is an excellent seamstress and is chomping at the bit to take on the challenge of a kilt. I think I am going to go with a 13 oz wool. Does that count as a tank if its not 16 oz. I have affiliations with McGregor, Cunningham, and MacLeod. Anybody have suggestions on where to buy material at the best possible price?

[Mr. MacDougall]

She is an excellent seamstress and is chomping at the bit to take on the challenge of a kilt.

Give her a copy of Barb's book?