Kilt Maker Review.

[James-owen]

I normal just build it and go through the checkout procedures and when I get to the spot that displays my total I will ether use Google to find it or its already displayed if I'm doing the order in USD.

[Chas]

I normal just build it and go through the checkout procedures and when I get to the spot that displays my total I will ether use Google to find it or its already displayed if I'm doing the order in USD.

The thing is, James, that the majority of British businesses treat all transactions as if they are domestic and liable to VAT. Most websites translate the £cost (with VAT) into a $cost (still with the VAT). So, yes, the final price is in dollars, but it is the wrong dollars.

Unless the site actually says that the price is VAT free, then you must assume that it is included. Just because goods are being shipped overseas, does not mean that they would be VAT free. A UK resident, buying a kilt to wear on a world cruise, would still be liable for the VAT, whereas his US resident brother, on the same cruise, would not. The seller would assume that both would be liable and charge as that is their default position.

Possibly the best way to buy is by email where you can explain the situation and if nothing else get a more personal service.

Regards

Chas

[Riverkilt]

The business name says kiltmaker, the copy says retailer. I don't think you'll get to know your kiltmaker. My guess is your order will be sent out to a faceless kiltmaker - or perhaps they have a staff of kiltmakers in house. Much different than dealing direct with the kiltmaker who will actually sew your kilt. Dealing directly will also save you some middleman costs. Any established kiltmaker can score the tartan you want from the mill(s) that offer it. There are many kiltmakers on this board that you can work directly with, and many other kiltmakers you can deal directly with who are not on this board. And, you may wish to decide between a full time kiltmaker and a part time kiltmaker. The former seem to offer prompter delivery. But caution is also needed with delivery promises...there's a reason the quality kiltmakers are backed up and a reason not so good kiltmakers can provide fast delivery.

You are wise to ask and to use caution...

[auld argonian]

I would assume that when they say "casual", they're talking a 5 yard kilt as opposed to the 8 yard version. I have a couple of 5 yard kilts that are great but spend a little time on the forum and look at photos of kilts made in the different yardages to see if a 5 yard is going to be what you want...the 8 yard variety are the ones that look totally smashing and the 5 yard look a little less spectacular by comparison. Not that there's anything wrong with that...just so you know what to expect.

I'd also call your attention to the thread that forum owner Steve did about a "budget" kilt that he did some work on. The kilt in question didn't have all of the necessary internal components (stabilizers) sewn in...a production shortcut that showed that you get what you pay for...and Steve did a step by step photo tutorial on how he took it apart and put the components in. Just another thing that you should be looking for and asking the kiltmaker about before you put your money down. (I have a kilt that I discovered was, in fact, made that way...but I paid very little for it and accept the fact that it is what it is...thus far the lack of stabilizer hasn't really affected the wearing of it so it doesn't really bother me...now some of these guys will disagree with me on this and say that it's no good but, like i said, no big thing to me...I'm just gonna wear it and not loose any sleep over it...your mileage may vary.)

So, basically, it might behoove you to take some time and do a little more research as to a kiltmaker. I would contend that there's nothing wrong with going through someone who's a retailer. I won't disqualify a "nameless kiltmaker" because they may be able to give you something that will be satisfactory and at a price point that you're comfortable with...nothing wrong with that. Obviously, dealing with a kiltmaker that will give you personal service will be a different kind of experience and it will knock the price and quality up a bit...face it, you're getting some very skilled labor working on your behalf here and should expect to pay accordingly...again, nothing wrong with that if it's what you want. It's your decision as to where you want to jump in on this. I guarantee you that you can get a decent kilt for a modest sum if you go to the right place and that you can get a spectacular kilt for more money as well...just find a spot where you feel that you're comfortable and getting value for your money. If you're seeking opinion here, take them all in and balance it out...for some of the members here the sky's the limit and they're happy to spend freely to get something that they want and some can't see spending anymore than a certain amount of dollars to get kitted up. it's like fishing...you can go out with a zebco 202 or a hand made bamboo rod...you'll still catch fish...just be in your personal comfort zone.

Remember, too, that you're gonna be looking for that nicer belt and sporran and kilt hose when you get that nicer kilt...so budget accordingly!

Best

AA

[Tobus]

As tempting as it is to buy from across the pond, it can often be very expensive and troublesome to do so. I don't know anything about the specific kilt maker/retailer you mentioned, but Chas and Rocky bring up very important points. What you think you're paying isn't necessarily what you'll have to actually pay to get your kilt. Shipping from the UK is absurdly expensive, and customs can be a real problem. If they hit you with fees, they will hold your kilt hostage until you pony up the money. And when that happens, you'll wish you had just bought one made domestically. This isn't to say that it will happen, but it can and does happen all the time, with no rhyme or reason. Random people get their kilts hit with import duties, which can add quite a bit of cost. Best thing to do is just factor that possibility into your actual cost so you won't be surprised later. You can only be relieved if it doesn't happen, not disappointed when it does.

You seem happy with the $300 mark on a 5-yard wool kilt. Why not consider a USA Kilts 5-yard wool kilt? The price is $320, and you can talk directly to the guy who is responsible for making it (or overseeing its quality in his shop). In fact, you're already talking to him in this thread! You won't have to worry about overseas shipping or import duties or delays in customs. And he has an excellent reputation amongst this group (including myself) who have done business with him.

So in the end, you'll likely get your kilt faster, at the same price (or perhaps less), and you can rest assured on the quality of craftsmanship. If it were me in your position, it would be a no-brainer decision to buy from Rocky. I know that doesn't answer your original question, but it should at least hopefully give you something to consider.

[frank_a]

Yes, what Tobus said. Great advice!

Frank

[auld argonian]

Good suggestion from Tobus.

Also consider the possibility of getting hit with import duties by the US Gov....there have been some real horror stories about that.

Best

AA

[Alan H]

Here's another two thumbs up for USA Kilts and Rocky 'n Kelly. They're great people and they make a good product and they've been on this forum since day 1.

[Steve Ashton]

Here's another two thumbs up for USA Kilts and Rocky 'n Kelly. They're great people and they make a good product and they've been on this forum since day 1.

This unfortunately contains an unintentional but inaccurate statement. Rocky did not join the forum until day 9.

The rest of the statement is totally accurate.

[gordontaos]

My suggestion would be to take all of the preceeding comments under serious advisement. The folks who have posted on this particular thread probably have at least 100 kilts, and tens of years of kilt wearing between them. I know that I have listened to them, and am now the extremely happy owner of 3 kilts and all of the accoutrements that go with them.
This forum is a fantastic resource, and also a great place to while away some idle time that is "Safe For Work".
Welcome, and enjoy!