Is there an Economist in the house?: The economic impact of Xmarks

[KD Burke]

The other morning a thought struck me (my first, it HURT!). In the few months since I dound Xmarks, I have become acquainted with, and purchased products from, a number of small businesses and/or artisans I would never have encountered otherwise. In my case, I've only spent mumblety-mumble dollars on kilt accessories, but every bit counts.

So, given the size of our little online community, and the tendency for us all to post reviews and photos of our shiny new baubles, and the tendency of others to be inspired to purchases of their own, I have to wonder: precisely how much does a site like XMarks contribute to the economy in increased consumer spending?

I think this would be an excellent thesis for an economics grad student, though for the life of me, I have no idea how you'd obtain statistically valid data. That's what faculty advisors are for.

So...this is going to turn into a tremendous debate, or it will be one of the shortest threads ever. In any case, do with it what you will!

[Panache]

I first came to XMTS because I was interested in kilts.

With the exception of my very first kilt (a Utilikilt) all the other major related purchases have been through vendors / craftsmen on this site.

Why?

Well first off I know that the Crofts, Jerry at Stillwater, Steve at Freedom Kilts, Rocky at USA Kilts, Robert over at R Kilts,Kevin at Empire Canvas Works, Freelander Sporrans, etc all have an excellent reputation by those really "in the know" about kilts and kit.

Second I like supporting the people that are part of and support this great community.

Aren't things better when there is trust and goodwill all around.

I had someone once at a SCD monthly party ask me about my outfit. I was able to to tell them the name of my kiltmaker, my sporran maker, who made my kilt pin, etc. I had a little story or bit of fun personal information about each item. This person turned to me and said something along the lines of "Gee I just went to the store and bought the stuff".

I like having the trust, the goodwill, and the good feelings about wearing kilt and kit from other X Markers

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[KD Burke]

I like having the trust, the goodwill, and the good feelings about wearing kilt and kit from other X Markers

Exactly! Precisely the reasons why I have a Thorfinn sporran, belts from Oconee Leather and a Tyger Forge buckle. The fact is that this loyalty to fiends, neighbors and acquaintances who we've located on the site has an undeniable economic impact.

First, we are spending money, some of which we would not have spent if it weren't for Xmarks. Second, of the money we would have spent anyway, we've directed some away from larger, more generic vendors toward smaller artisans with a narrower, but richer focus.

I suspect that the net effect of Xmarks (as well as equivalent sites in other areas of interest) is to bolster small and very small businesses at the expense of established retail "big box" vendors.

[BEEDEE]

... this loyalty to fiends, neighbors and acquaintances who we've located on the site has an undeniable economic impact.
.

There are fiends on this site? Get thee gone!!!

Brian

[Paul]

Very good point.
My sisters a qualified economist at the moment but she's back doing honors.
I believe she is currently reviewing the alcohol minimum pricing law in Scotland's impact on the economy with a background political strategy at the moment and it's taking her quite a few months but I'll ask for you

[BroosterB1]

Maybe it's because I am listening to country music on Pandora, but as I think about it X-marks reminds me a lot of the interactions I had when I rode Rodeo. I bought my gear from friends that made it, or assembled it. My ropes were from a friend in Umbarger, Texas, my riding rigs were from a guy in El Paso, my spurrs from a nice guy in Stillwater. About the only things I used that wasn't crafted like that were my jeans and boots.

Now, I have bought stuff from people who have a similar interest, so it's natural to want to share it. I can't believe it's just me. I would rather deal with a friend, or someone who will soon be a friend.

ith:

[Panache]

There are fiends on this site? Get thee gone!!!

Psssst... Brian

Has it occurred to you that the fiends on our site would be the Mod Squad?

We have met the fiends and they are us!




Cheers

Jamie

[KD Burke]

There are fiends on this site? Get thee gone!!!

Brian

I have it on reliable authority that at least one goddess occasionally graces us with her presence. It stands to reason that the denizens of the netherworld also put in appearances from time to time.

Psssst... Brian

Has it occurred to you that the fiends on our site would be the Mod Squad?

It explains a great deal! Never fear, I'm told that this self-same goddess has their leader under close observation!

[dfmacliam]

My purchases have been more out of country for me, two kilts, by two different kiltmakers (both members of the forum), both in Canada. From England, I have a sporran, shooting socks, kilt hose, garters, and the dreaded flat cap. Ireland, grandfather shirts, semi bestoke, caubeen, and a couple rugby shirts.

I have bought a bit from the States, of course from members of the forum...

But if it wasn't for this site, I probably would not be looking for my clothing items worldwide, and what I do have, is right and proper... It has opened my eyes to other options, and places to get the things that I like and want, instead of making do.

I found this forum not really knowing much about kilts, other than knowing it was a connection for me to my past... It helped shaped my opinions about how I should present myself, and surprised myself by learning I had more traditional tastes, but with my own twist(well not just mine... But I just like my box pleats, for style and comfort).

So yes, my money is spent well because of the site, world wide.

[ziggy]

I personally found scotweb and ordered from them previous to this forum, and I do not regret that in the least! I did however discover, among other MacIssac Kilts in Cape Breton Canada and after a short discussion with a kiltmake there over the phone, they will be getting some of my business.

Honestly, this site is a goldmine for kilters, information, good time and a sense of comradery