Why a kilt costs what it does...a re-re-re-hash

[RockyR]

No offense to anyone on here and I know I will get quite the response from this. But look at a perfect example: Skye Highland Outfitters. They offer an 8 yard, made to measure PV kilt for 189.00. The next closest company, that I know of, that sells PV, made to measure, will cost you (at my size) 240.00 or more. Plus their is not even 8 yards. Josh found a way to sell a better product, with a faster finish time, for less money. Plus, the quality is the same if not better than most.

As the "other company" that you allude to, I'll point out a few things (leaving our biased opinions of the kilt quality aside for our customers to judge):

When you deal with a store with a storefront, there are automatcially more costs involved. Rent, Electric, Internet access, phones, employees, business insurance, fixtures, etc all cost money. I bring up electric and phone and internet b/c those of us with a shop AND a home have 2 bills of each to pay every month, not 1.

Then there's inventory itself (holding inventory and not ordering things 'as needed'). It costs a lot to keep a shop fully stocked to look nice and have selection.

Re: the turnaround time, you have to take into account the size of the company and the amount of traffic they see. If company 1 has 10 orders and company 2 has 60 orders, it will probably take company 2 a little longer to get through those orders. It's not good or bad... it just is what it is. Heck, some kiltmakers have a 12 month turnaround time and people still line up knowing that fact!

It's all about finding a balance that works for the business owner and the consumer. If I wanted to work out of my house, I could, but I have a personal 'pet peeve'. I don't ever buy anything (sight unseen with VERY FEW exceptions) from a company without a storefront location, so we choose to ALWAYS offer that to our customers. We, as a company, think it adds a level of professionalism and reassurance to customers that they can visit the retailer at their store... ESPECIALLY when you're dropping $100 on a Casual Kilt or $1300 (or more) on a Premier Package. I like to SEE where my money is going and know it's to an established business that will be there in a few months time.

Please note: I'm not knocking any company WITHOUT a storefront (in fact, I know Josh personally and like him... heck, we've discussed this same topic before). I'm just stating my opinion and our company thoughts on it.

Capitalism is all about 'building the better mousetrap' or doing something faster / cheaper. I only bring up the points above to help show people where that 'extra money' goes to. It's not hidden in my Yacht, nor is it hidden in my lavish Costa Rican condo.