New? kilt seller on eBay: AllScottish.CA

[NorCalPiper]

I want to pipe in here as well as a member of the forum AND owner of Skye Highland Outfitters. I personally think that there is no problem with what the gentleman is doing. I have bought 2 PV kilts off ebay and LOVE them. I have bought a SWK Black Watch wool and LOVE it. These kilts are made in Pakistan, and they are sold at an affordable price. If the Gold-Bros bring some aunties and nephews over to the UK and have them stitch kilts with cheap material (or material woven at one of the mills), it really shouldn't matter. They ARE being made in the UK. They're just not being made by natives (And for that matter, many Pakistanis and Indians ARE native Scots being born there, so it may even be a touch ethnocentric bias), so people tend to think that there's some white lie being told.

The real problem as a vendor is the VAST majority of people that want to buy kilts are just not that serious about it. They probably went to the games, liked it, and thought "Hey, I should get a kilt for these kinda' occasions". They go to a web site and see a 500$ price tag for a wool Macdonald kilt at a "traditional" kilt site, and then see the 155.00$ price tag for what seems to be the same thing on a Gold-Bros reseller. Its absolutely a no brainer. When I was first starting S.H.O., i ordered plenty of sample from Pakistan AND Gold-Bros. It was what it was. An OK, cheaper alternative that wasn't really that bad. But it didn't satisfy me, thus we decided to locate craftspersons here in the States who could make a sporran, or a pair of hose, or a jacket to my snobbish expectations.

So whats my point-People that resell Gold-Bros and the like in the long run will help us who feel we are putting more quality and craft into our product. Why??? Because someone who buys a Gold-Bros kilt will wear it, start loving it, but over time realize what it may be lacking-So when it comes to the next purchase, they'll feel more empowered to spend the extra bucks for the product. I know this is true, because almost every sporran we've made and sold went to someone who had picked up a cheap ebay sporran, liked it, but wanted something better after a while.

So good on the new canadian vendor. I wish you luck in your venture.....I certainly would never lmao at anyone, but I'm sure you felt we may have been coming down on you a tad. Just a hint-One of the most successful kilt sellers in N.A. is SWK. Jerry is honest and upfront about his product, but lets the quality stand up to any criticism about where its made. Fololow that route, and you'll be fine.

Last but least. I am married to the most SOUTHERN BELLE wife (If you talked to her on the phone, you'd think she's Scarlett O'Hara). Born and bred right here in Atlanta. BUT-both her parents are from India. Her motto is "Southern by the Grace of God", and will let you know otherwise should you think thats not possible because her ancestry is from India. So a Scot of Pakistani origin stitching a kilt might feel slighted for not being a "Real Scottish" kilt maker.

[Dan R Porter]

Just out of curiosity. What mill does your poly viscose come from?

[kilty]

There are many talented people on this site who give of their time and knowledge freely so that newbies like me get the right information to be able to make informed decisions. And to them, we are grateful even though we don't always say it.

An informed decision does not necessarily mean a hand made and (to some) an expensive kilt. I personally opted for a Burnett and Struth hand made 13 oz kilt for my first kilt but if the "try a cheaper model to see if I like it" plan works for you then who is to critize it?

So I think some of us have to get our nose out of the sky. I e-mailed the guy and he responded promptly and honestly and invited me to see his inventory when he gets it. I think we have to give him a chance and then wait for the feedback/reviews from poeple who have purchased his product. He may not have the polished manners of seasoned kilt makers/sellers yet or fancy web site but a guy has to start somewhere.

He seems to be taking any criticism constructively and I say let's give him a chance to see what he can do.

[Iain Robb]

He seems to be taking any criticism constructively and I say let's give him a chance to see what he can do.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I don't see him getting defensive in his last post, and in general, this thread has moved toward acknowledging differences of opinion and preferences, so my hat is off to all of you.

[tyger]

Just out of curiosity. What mill does your poly viscose come from?

Ditto.

[Snowbear]

I've been looking trough some web sites, and found something interesting.

http://www.allscottish.ca/Scotland's...ltire-Kilt.php

It says: "This infamous kilt is a genuine wool kilt designed and manufactured in Scotland by John Morrison, a well established Scottish kiltmaker."

We all know that John Morrison was a good man, but now the Gold Bros have taken over his name. Just wanted to tell you this to make any toughts about about where it comes from clear.