Am I being unreasonable?

**Sir William** · 21st August 09, 03:47 AM

I'm in much the same boat. I ordered a khaki pigskin sporran belt that I hoped to have in time for the Gathering in Scotland. Alas, the Gathering has come and gone and I'm still waiting.

I've made quite a few orders with Scotweb over the last year, including having a few custom items made. On the whole I've been satisfied with the service. They have been very good about getting my orders to me quickly and when they can't they let me know of the delays and new delivery dates. Fortunately, except for the above mentioned sporran belt, I haven't really needed anything right away. At least they are keeping me informed of the delays - some vendors don't even show that courtesy.

**KD Burke** · 30th August 09, 05:56 AM

Well, after my last post on this topic, I received an e-mail from Mr. Stewart Robertson, the Retail Manager at Scotweb. This was on 08/21/2009. Mr. Robertson wrote:

"Our tailors are amongst the finest for quality, but alas are amongst the worst for communication and service. I finally managed to speak with their Managing Director this morning, and after a frank discussion demanded that I have this order, completed and in my hand by close of business on Monday. I left him in no doubt that this must happen, and can assure you that it will."

I was in contact with Nick by that time, so when the deadline was missed again, I wrote him again. On 08/27/2009 he replied:

"Stewart finally got through this morning and has, again, received assurances that the garment will be with us today or tomorrow. Will it? In all honesty I can only say probably."

Well.. as of now, still "awaiting stock."

Nick and Stewart at Scotweb have been very gracious and apologetic, but unsuccesful in acquiring a jacket and waistcoat that was ordered some 12 weeks ago.

**Sammac** · 30th August 09, 07:22 AM

I would hazard a guess that it is something to do with getting the material from a mill. I ordered a kilt from Scotweb and it said 4 to 6 weeks and it shipped out after 4 weeks.

**ziggy** · 30th August 09, 09:16 AM

I do suspect this is the case as well. I have a feeling when it's in their control they are pretty good. personally, I am waiting on Lochcarron to weave the tartan i suspect, so it could be awhile.

**Riverkilt** · 30th August 09, 09:22 AM

Big difference between sewing up a jacket and waistcoat (or pulling them off the rack/peg) and weaving a tartan or sewing a kilt. Don't see what the kilt and fabric items have to do with a jacket and waistcoat. The former are made by weavers and kiltmakers, the later by tailors...or in a factory.

Ron

**Phogfan86** · 30th August 09, 09:51 AM

At this point, I'd be pretty steamed, too. I think that in the arena of Highland wear, we all sacrifice timelines a bit because we understand that quality takes time.

And I fully understand that Scotweb is working with subcontractors for fabric and products, but if your subcontractors can't meet deadlines or at least come close, then maybe you need to find new subcontractors.

**KD Burke** · 30th August 09, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Phogfan86

And I fully understand that Scotweb is working with subcontractors for fabric and products, but if your subcontractors can't meet deadlines or at least come close, then maybe you need to find new subcontractors.

I'll take the liberty of quoting Nick again:

"We stick with them because we love their quality. But they do cause us no end of frustration with their operational inadequacies. We hate to blame our suppliers, as the buck of course stops here. But the bottom line is that ever since several of our "reputable" competitors got together and blew the manufacturing industry to bits a few years ago by sourcing inferior garments in bulk overseas (then sewing a few buttons on to legally claim they were Made in Scotland) there are very few authentic producers left standing, making garments of the quality we want. We can usually twist this tailoring firm's arms, as we are an important customer for them. But I'm very sorry that on this occasion we've not come through on the expected schedule."

**Phogfan86** · 30th August 09, 02:45 PM

You can quote Nick all you want. If my business is at risk of losing customers because my vendors can't read a calendar, I need new vendors who are eager to keep me and my customers happy.

**KFCarter** · 30th August 09, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by KD Burke

I'll take the liberty of quoting Nick again:

"We stick with them because we love their quality. But they do cause us no end of frustration with their operational inadequacies. We hate to blame our suppliers, as the buck of course stops here. But the bottom line is that ever since several of our "reputable" competitors got together and blew the manufacturing industry to bits a few years ago by sourcing inferior garments in bulk overseas (then sewing a few buttons on to legally claim they were Made in Scotland) there are very few authentic producers left standing, making garments of the quality we want. We can usually twist this tailoring firm's arms, as we are an important customer for them. But I'm very sorry that on this occasion we've not come through on the expected schedule."

Originally Posted by Phogfan86

You can quote Nick all you want. If my business is at risk of losing customers because my vendors can't read a calendar, I need new vendors who are eager to keep me and my customers happy.

...All well and good if there are alternative vendors who can provide the desired quality. I'd be willing to bet that the difficult vendor is well aware that there are dwindling "quality" alternatives for Nick, and that could be one of the reasons they are less than responsive to him.

**Jock Scot** · 30th August 09, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Phogfan86

At this point, I'd be pretty steamed, too. I think that in the arena of Highland wear, we all sacrifice timelines a bit because we understand that quality takes time.

And I fully understand that Scotweb is working with subcontractors for fabric and products, but if your subcontractors can't meet deadlines or at least come close, then maybe you need to find new subcontractors.

I fly no one's flag here, and of course Nick must speak for himself, so I am making an observation here that might,or might not be correct. I do rather suspect that there are no new subcontractors to be had of the quality that is expected both by Nick and the end user.The kilt and the manufacture of its attire is actually a very small industry even in Scotland. Dammit all, our Royal Regiment of Scotland struggles to get kit, so I see no reason why Nick should be any different. Is it right? No it is not. Can much be done about it? At a guess, not much.