eBay Advice?

[TomFromBama]

Gents and Ladies!

I'm still very much a newbie here, and here's a newbie question.

First, as to protocol: This seems to be a very cordial and polite forum, and I want to be a good member, so if I'm stepping on protocol here, just let me know, ok? But I trust that as compatriots here, I can post some live auctions without fear of getting poached - or if I'm poaching on one you are already stalking, you will tell me?

Second, as to eBay Kilts: So I saw the thread on eBay stalking, and I did some stalking! I'm a novice at Kilts but a long time eBay user - so I'm comfortable buying "stuff" that I know about - (bought the car I'm driving on eBay!), I just need some guidance on eBay kilts!

What am I looking for? Being of a uh.... shall we say, "Thrifty" nature, I'd love to be able to get something "nice", and of a caliber at least worth wearing, without paying the full freight. At least something I could use as a starter, before investing in a quality made-to-order kilt. I'm not hung up on "modern" vs. "traditional" - my preference is leaning toward traditional, but not necessarily strictly so.

So I'm seeing plenty of Pakistan "kilts" and I'm not even looking at those. I'm also seeing things like Sportkilts and Utilikilts and such where the seller is asking about what they sell for new, so I'm passing on those.

Here's a couple that are somewhat intriguing to me. Your thoughts or impression would be MOST Appreciated!

(1) "The Kilt - Kilt - size 42"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:X:RTQ:US:1123
Sent seller a question he answered quickly. This about 1" shy on my waist and about 1" long, so I'm thinking its wearable with a bit of diet and Maybe just a bit of alteration (or no alteration at all).
But - I've never heard of this brand. Its not wool - he says its 65% viscose rayone, 35% acetate fibre?
He describes the colors as "yellow, red, black" - so is it Wallace, maybe?
Current price is highly appealing - IF its worth having!
Thoughts?

(2) "Kilt, 5 yard, Heritage of Scotland Tartan"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/351045666838...84.m1423.l2649
Auction describes it as "custom made", "unbranded" and "wool blend materials with leather buckles".
This one is said to be 40 x. 24 - so a couple inches snug in the waist and maybe and inch long at the knee.
What would you ask the seller?
Thoughts on this kilt?

(3) "Black Watch Kilt Wool Size"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191132374762...84.m1423.l2649
This might be a retired rental/hire kilt? Definitely a lot bigger and longer than I am, so it definitely would have to be altered. Is that a nightmare, or not a big deal?
J. Higgins is a name I've seen before - would you consider them a good maker?
It is 100% wool, but they also admit some wear.
Do any particular questions or concerns come to mind?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated!

[sydnie7]

Without looking at your specific listings, I'll just throw in some thoughts about length.

Remember (or learn) that on a traditionally made kilt, the buckles sit at your "natural" waist -- quite a bit higher than you are likely used to for trousers/jeans. There are several threads here, particularly from The Wizard of BC, discussing how to determine your natural waist. If the seller is listing kilt length as the overall amount of fabric from bottom to top, you need to know the rise (how much material there is above the buckles, or conversely how far below the waistband do the buckles sit). Then you can figure out if the kilt length is correct for you -- the length between the buckles and the lower edge.

ETA: here is one of Steve's posts as an example. I know there are others with photos to be found.

A kilt that is truly too long will not fit you correctly. Simple option is to hem it -- can be done, most people won't notice the alteration, but it does take time and some skill. But that assumes the rest of the kilt details are correct -- does the fell (the stitched part of pleats) end at the widest point of your hip/seat area? If not, the pleats won't fall correctly and the kilt won't look as good as it should.

Any other attempts to rebuild a kilt that is too long (i.e. taking the length from the top vs hemming from the bottom) would most likely cost more than the kilt is worth, and might not even be possible.

Lots of detail that I've skimmed over here, but the take-away is -- know what length you need from buckles to knee, and ask the seller to confirm that measurement. Steer clear of kilts that do not meet your measurements.

Welcome and good luck in your hunt!

[ratspike]

The tag in the first one looks just like the Pakistani junk I've seen at the local highland games, and I'm guessing "65% viscose rayon 35% acetate fibre" probably translates to acrylic.

As far as the other two go, if you're at the $100-ish price point for a starter kilt I think a casual model from USA Kilts is a no brainer. It'll fit you correctly out of the box, machine washable, and you pick the tartan. Once you've got some experience wearing a kilt, and you know what you like and what's going to fit, you'll have an easier time hunting for an ebay score.

[MacLowlife]

It is fine to post links to auctions that interest you, but just remember that strangers may look at your posts- in other words, if you see something really nice, it is probably best to keep your mouth shut. If you want it for yourself, don't tempt others by calling attention to it.

That is assuming you can actually tell it is nice.

After a while you will be able to spot most junk. If a seller always has kilts available- and they seem to be the same ones- you can probably gauge the value of his wares by the prices they have fetched in the past. If you see something that looks authentically good, say from a seller who has outgrown it or inherited it from a dead relative, or who deals in good stuff, you can probably distinguish it from the chaff by certain identifying characteristics.

The first is probably age- if something is over 30 years old, it was probably not made in a sweatshop for the tourist trade.

The second is a recognizable brand name, such as Hector Russel, Kinloch Anderson, or one of the other main line highland outfitters.

The third is a little subtler, but after a while, you may be able to spot "nice" goods just by a general feeling you get when looking- the cut of their jib, so to speak. Most of the time, a good first step is to check the fiber content.

On the other hand, if you spot something that looks good, but is definitely not your size, it is only fair and generous that you pass it on, so the rest of us might have a shot.

[opositive]

most of my kilts are used from either ebay or here, and i have saved a lot. part of being thrifty is having patience. searching ebay for "hire kilt" usually turns up quality wool at a bargain price, but my favorite kilts came from here. if you want a bargain priced, intro level wool kilt, look at the stillwater kilts blackwatch for under $100. usak (a favorite) is about the only vendor i like for pv. early on, i bought acrylic and pv (not from usak)--those i have given away and regret buying.

[Nathan]

First, as to protocol: This seems to be a very cordial and polite forum, and I want to be a good member, so if I'm stepping on protocol here, just let me know, ok? But I trust that as compatriots here, I can post some live auctions without fear of getting poached - or if I'm poaching on one you are already stalking, you will tell me?

First of all, nice to meet you. Welcome to xmarks!

Second, regarding protocal, in my experience, there is no protocol for users to "call dibs" on live ebay auctions here. Many of us are on ebay all the time and some of your fellow xmarks users are probably already watching something you're interested in. If you post on here for advice about the purchase, you have no right to expect xmarks members not to bid on the item. While we're all cordial here, we all like our kilt stuff and our ebay hunting. If you want the item, you have to put in the highest bid and just because you posted it in a thread here, I shouldn't feel guilty about bidding on an item I like.

If someone wants to bow out of an auction to do you a favour, they certainly may but there is no expectation that they must.

Finally, read these forums and learn, learn, learn. Ask general questions before you buy. It will save you tons in the long run.

You should know how long a kilt should be from the buckles at your natural waist (not hips) to the top to the middle of your knee as you prefer.

You should also know your waist size and how far the fell should be on a kilt that fits you as mentioned above. Once you have these measurements, I recommend asking questions to the vendor to ensure that you will be reasonably happy with the fit of the kilt.

If you do these things and are willing to wait patiently for the right kilt to come along, you can get a great deal on a traditional kilt.

Warning: Kilt wearing is an addiction.

Slainte,

Nathan

[chasem]

Often a look at the pictures will be enough to tell whether the item is of mass produced (not necessarily bad) or Pakistani origin.

This actually goes for a lot of ebay items, so you may already know this, but if the picture for the item is clearly a stock picture or is used for multiple items, you can often move on. Note that some legit vendors will use this strategy as well, but this is one of those things you'll pick up on which way to go the more you mess with it.

[RockyR]

Don't forget to visit the sponsors here to look for deals on kilts!

I know that Burnett's & Struth (upper right corner advertiser) have a sale section with many tartans. USA Kilts (Full disclosure: It's my company... upper LEFT hand corner advertiser) has a few dozen Ex Rental kilts for sale in very good condition as well as a sale on select 5 yarder kilts in various tartans (all made to measure).

There are other good deals to be had outside of Ebay, if you know where to look.

[TomFromBama]

First off, Sincere and Heartfelt thanks to everyone who responded. I'm trying to be a sponge and absorb all I can, and I'm reading as many threads as time permits.... (Well, actually a little more than time should be permitting. )

I can report that in just my short time here, this board has already spared me from several purchases I was ready to make, all of which, I'm now convinced would have been ill advised.

I suppose my interest in Kilts at the moment, is sorta like the interest of a 15 year old boy in females.
I am filled with enthusiasm, I just don't have all the necessary information yet!!!

[tulloch]

Proceed with caution. Take your time. Get the very best you can afford. If you pay $500 for a good quality garment that will last you twenty years that is only $25 per year. There is a lot of low quality stuff out there and the chances of finding one with the correct measurements for you are really slim. You could easily spend close to $500 getting a few unsatisfactory garments and leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

CAREFUL
Be thrifty, not stingy.