What can XMTS do?

[ChubRock]

When members are having issues with vendors regarding kilts and kilt-related goods we need a stronger voice when talking to vendors. It would be nice if we had someone (or somplace) to turn to when things go bad or horribly wrong.

I read a magazine for RVing (Recreation Vehicles) and like the letter to the editor section, there is a section dedicated to getting help with vendors. It is amazing how much they are able to help by getting returns, refunds and closure to lingering issues.

You start by showing your legwork and what you have done to communicate with the vendor, then share your results and their responses. Then it gets handed to a moderator/advocate who contacts the vendor on behalf of the member. The results of that contact are shared with the forum members, and it is almost always better than expected. Thus turning a bad situation into a positive marketing opportunity for the vendor and ultimately a happy member who gets what he/she wanted in the first place. There is strength in numbers, and the vendors know that the information is read by thousands. It is in their best interest to fix their issues rather be bashed by members who may have never even dealt with them.

I think our forum is rich enough in its fellowship that we can have such a voice of a stronger consumer advocate. It will all but eliminate flaming of vendors and piling on when something goes wrong, their fault or the members, and provide a benefit to the members of XMarksTheScot.

Your thoughts?

[McMurdo]

I've moved this to Comments and Suggestions, and will bring it up to the rest of the team. Beyond that I think this is one thread where the membership at large should wait and see what happens. Give us time to discuss it, one of us will respond.

[Panache]

ChubRock,

This matter has been discussed by the Mod Squad and Steve Ashton the owner of XMTS and here are our thoughts and decision concerning your proposal.

First of all, on behalf of the owner and staff of xmarksthescot.com, I would also like to thank you for taking the time to think about and offer suggestions about how XMTS could be improved. The sense of ownership our members feel about XMTS is something we appreciate. We have, and will continue, to develop and grow because of the Ladies and Gentlemen here on XMTS.

Here are our thoughts.

XMTS is recognized world wide by a great many companies involved in both Modern kilts and Traditional highland attire as the premier source for information on kilts and kit on the Internet. By sticking to our policies of fair reviews and not allowing personal attacks our membership (and the great number of those that come here for information) get the best possible insight in what companies to do business with.

Now because our forum exists because we have sponsors that pay to advertise their goods here, we have great concerns about the possibility of a perceived conflict of interests between the sponsors and the proposed official XMTS advocacy group.

Better to let all these companies get fair reviews allow our members and readership the opportunity to make up their own minds.

What we do try and make sure of, is that our sponsors are those who take care of their customers and our members.

Because this is no longer open to discussion it is our vote to close this thread.

Cheers

Jamie