Bargain Hunters Unite!

[CMcG]

I love a bargain and am always looking for ways to get top value for my money. Being a student in a crummy economic climate, that means trying to do more with less.

Just to be clear, I'm not advocating cheap junk though! What I'm talking about is getting the best quality I can find for the lowest price I can afford. Everyone's economic status will determine a different result of these variables and that is to be accepted.

I'm sure other members of the rabble must have their own take on thrift and I'm hoping everyone will share What are your favourite bargain hunting strategies, tactics, and stalking grounds? It would be wonderful if the rabble would explain their methods and choices; tips and tricks are most welcome!

- vendors with the best deals?
- haggling?
- eBay?
- second hand/vintage/thrift store/consignment?
- off rentals?
- ways to get discounts?
- sales and/or clearance?
- barter and trade?
- D.I.Y.?
- joining a Highland regiment?

[D.A. Guertin]

DIY and bartering!!

[Hothir Ethelnor]

DIY and bartering seems to be working for me too. I've also done a bit of ebay stalking.

[CMcG]

DIY and bartering!!

DIY and bartering seems to be working for me too. I've also done a bit of ebay stalking.

Cool. What are you making and did you learn those skills just because of kilts or have them previously? Who are you bartering with, what is your collateral, and how do you find them?

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Cool. What are you making and did you learn those skills just because of kilts or have them previously? Who are you bartering with, what is your collateral, and how do you find them?

Well, I've been sewing most of my life and I make kilts (which means around here I have a big bargaining chip...)

I have also taken up knitting and working with leather.

[thescot]

Low price does not necessarily equal thrift or bargain. The old saw that you get what you pay for usually holds, and I have found that buying cheap is often disappointing and requires quick replacement.

However, I have also found that watching the reputible vendors for sales, overstocks, etc. can pay off handsomely. For example, Matt recently moved some hose from the Tartans Museum at a very attactive price because the newer models were a slightly different color. (I think that was the case; don't quote me, it was something like that.)

Keeping up with several vendors and watching the prices and pricing will pay off over time. And there is that haggling thing: cash and a willingness to part with it for the right price can be persuasive. No price is etched in stone, so why not make an offer? I have found that the real goal is to create a win-win situation.

Add to that the names of a few who generally have reasonable prices--j.Higgins comes to mind as do most of those who advertise right here on good ole Xmarks!

[CMcG]

<snip>
However, I have also found that watching the reputible vendors for sales, overstocks, etc. can pay off handsomely.
<snip>
Add to that the names of a few who generally have reasonable prices--j.Higgins comes to mind as do most of those who advertise right here on good ole Xmarks!

Indeed. I like to keep a number of reputable vendors bookmarked straight to their overstock, sale, or clearance page. I picked up a 16 oz wool casual kilt that way at 50% off!

I was just looking at the J Higgins site and they do indeed have some nice bargains.

Amongst our advertisers, Stillwater Kilts doesn't have near the selection of some, but their prices are hard to beat. I have a solid green wool kilt from them and, while it is certainly not a tank, it is quite nice for the money.

[James C]

Quality is important for kilts and other Scottish good make sure you check the quality of the products. Also when looking for bargains make sure you compare items that are the same and don't do the common comparision of wool vs poly kilts. As they are quite different. Do a bit of research to determine how much they normally are and let the prices talk. If the deal seems really good compared to some other dealers warning flags should come up.

Then again though sometimes you can get a really good deal if you look hard enough and ask the right questions.

Happy Bargain hunting.

[Eric Schutte]

CMcG -

For my full mask Sporran I paid 150.00 including shipping on eBay. The sporran runs 225.00 new from L&M.

For my kilts, 2 - 16 oz. Strome weight 100% wool tanks, I went to the mill directly and saved about 100.00 per kilt. There are ways to get a good deal.....cut out the middle man is one of them!

Eric Schutte

[CMcG]

Quality is important for kilts and other Scottish good make sure you check the quality of the products. Also when looking for bargains make sure you compare items that are the same and don't do the common comparision of wool vs poly kilts. As they are quite different. Do a bit of research to determine how much they normally are and let the prices talk. If the deal seems really good compared to some other dealers warning flags should come up.

Then again though sometimes you can get a really good deal if you look hard enough and ask the right questions.

Happy Bargain hunting.

Burnett's & Struth has humbly neglected to mention their $199 CAD, machine-sewn, worsted wool, casual kilts. They get rave reviews around the site for that elusive combination of quality and price.

While some would say anything other than a tank (8 yard, heavyweight worsted wool, knife pleated, hand sewn) is not worth the while, I'm glad that there are other options. I agree that one should compare apples to apples and that P/V and acrylic aren't the same as wool, 4 yards isn't the same as 8, etc. That being said, to some extent a kilt is still a kilt

What I mean might be illustrated by a car analogy. I can't afford to drive a luxury car, so my vehicle is basic but gets the job done. Similarly, a well-made wool casual kilt, or 8 yard traditionally cut P/V could still pass muster when one cannot afford a real tank.