Sneak Peak: new jacket order page

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I've been updating the way that you will be able to order jackets on line, and I thought I'd give you a sneak peak of what I've been working on.

So far I have the order page for the Argyle jackets updated. It's not linked into the main menu of the web site just yet. I want to wait until I update the other jacket pages to integrate it into the main menu. However, the shopping cart is active, so you can feel free to place orders if you wish.

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kilt_jackets.htm

Here are the major changes. We have for a while offered jackets in a wide range of cloths. However, for the most part each of these ranges had their own order pages. Ettrick tweed jackets had their own page. Glen Tilt patterns had their own page. Harris tweed jackets had their own page, etc.

One thing we have changed is that these ranges are all now together. So, for example, if you want to order an Argyle jacket, you will be able to order the jacket from any cloth you choose, from the same order page.

In addition to the fabric ranges we have traditionally carried, we have expanded that range to include specialty cloth such as the ethically produced Ardanalish tweeds, as well as velvet for those looking for a more formal option.

All of the fabric options for your jacket will be shown on one master "jacket cloth option" page, which can be easily updated when old fabrics are discontinued, or new fabrics added to the line.

Another change is that you can now customize your jacket more, right from the order page. You can select the style of cuff you want and whether or not you desire epaulettes on your jacket. (You have always had these options, but you had to send special instructions -- now you can do it directly from the order menu).

For those who desire a made-to-measure jacket, as opposed to a stock size, you can now order that, as well, for a small additional fee.

Lastly, you will note that our prices have changes somewhat. We've simplified the price categories as much as we can. And while it may look like some prices have gone up, we are now including a matching waistcoat with each jacket, so in fact the prices have decreased for some ranges. (For example, the Ettrick tweed jackets used to be $450, without a waistcoat. The waistcoat could be ordered for an additional $125. Now the cost is $495, with the waistcoat included).

A couple of notes of interest: One, Harris Tweed is back! For a while we have been unable to supply Harris Tweed kilt jackets, but we have recieved fabric samples from a new Harris Tweed weaver that we are extremely happy with and are in the process of putting those samples on line. You will note a small number of them on the jacket cloth page currently. Many more will be added in the coming days.

Second, this order page is for those wishing a custom Argyle jacket. We will have another page set up to compliment this one that will have stock Argyle jackets in black and charcoal grey that will sell at a lower cost, but that cannot be customized.

My goal in revising the jacket pages is to have one page that will feature the less expensive and non customizable jackets. And then a seperate page for the various styles of jackets we offer (Argyle, Wallace, Prince Charlie, Sheriffmuir, and eventually Regulation, Montrose, Kenmore, etc.) that will be similar to this Argyle order page, where you can select all your custom options.

It is still a work in progress. Any feedback is appreciated!

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kilt_jackets.htm

[creagdhubh]

I've been updating the way that you will be able to order jackets on line, and I thought I'd give you a sneak peak of what I've been working on.

So far I have the order page for the Argyle jackets updated. It's not linked into the main menu of the web site just yet. I want to wait until I update the other jacket pages to integrate it into the main menu. However, the shopping cart is active, so you can feel free to place orders if you wish.

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kilt_jackets.htm

Here are the major changes. We have for a while offered jackets in a wide range of cloths. However, for the most part each of these ranges had their own order pages. Ettrick tweed jackets had their own page. Glen Tilt patterns had their own page. Harris tweed jackets had their own page, etc.

One thing we have changed is that these ranges are all now together. So, for example, if you want to order an Argyle jacket, you will be able to order the jacket from any cloth you choose, from the same order page.

In addition to the fabric ranges we have traditionally carried, we have expanded that range to include specialty cloth such as the ethically produced Ardanalish tweeds, as well as velvet for those looking for a more formal option.

All of the fabric options for your jacket will be shown on one master "jacket cloth option" page, which can be easily updated when old fabrics are discontinued, or new fabrics added to the line.

Another change is that you can now customize your jacket more, right from the order page. You can select the style of cuff you want and whether or not you desire epaulettes on your jacket. (You have always had these options, but you had to send special instructions -- now you can do it directly from the order menu).

For those who desire a made-to-measure jacket, as opposed to a stock size, you can now order that, as well, for a small additional fee.

Lastly, you will note that our prices have changes somewhat. We've simplified the price categories as much as we can. And while it may look like some prices have gone up, we are now including a matching waistcoat with each jacket, so in fact the prices have decreased for some ranges. (For example, the Ettrick tweed jackets used to be $450, without a waistcoat. The waistcoat could be ordered for an additional $125. Now the cost is $495, with the waistcoat included).

A couple of notes of interest: One, Harris Tweed is back! For a while we have been unable to supply Harris Tweed kilt jackets, but we have recieved fabric samples from a new Harris Tweed weaver that we are extremely happy with and are in the process of putting those samples on line. You will note a small number of them on the jacket cloth page currently. Many more will be added in the coming days.

Second, this order page is for those wishing a custom Argyle jacket. We will have another page set up to compliment this one that will have stock Argyle jackets in black and charcoal grey that will sell at a lower cost, but that cannot be customized.

My goal in revising the jacket pages is to have one page that will feature the less expensive and non customizable jackets. And then a seperate page for the various styles of jackets we offer (Argyle, Wallace, Prince Charlie, Sheriffmuir, and eventually Regulation, Montrose, Kenmore, etc.) that will be similar to this Argyle order page, where you can select all your custom options.

It is still a work in progress. Any feedback is appreciated!

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kilt_jackets.htm

Simply awesome! Well done Matt!!!!

[longhuntr74]

I have always thought it would be great if someone offered the option of allowing the customer to choose a different color for the cuffs, collar, etc. that contrasts with the main color of a doublet. For instance, you could order a dark green Regulation Doublet with crimson colored gauntlet cuffs & collar; or a scarlet Sheriffmuir with black gauntlett cuff, collar & eppulates, etc. This might be something to consider for a future update.

I agree...it would be great to be able to buy a truly custom jacket at an affordable price. Green and crimson would be a very striking color contrast...you better watch out...MacLL might read this and get excited!!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I have always thought it would be great if someone offered the option of allowing the customer to choose a different color for the cuffs, collar, etc. that contrasts with the main color of a doublet. For instance, you could order a dark green Regulation Doublet with crimson colored gauntlet cuffs & collar; or a scarlet Sheriffmuir with black gauntlett cuff, collar & eppulates, etc. This might be something to consider for a future update.

Hmmm.... good thought. I'm not sure that my rather limited shopping cart system would allow for those options, though, and to be honest I've yet to have a client ask for this kind of option. I'd have to talk to my tailors to find out any additional cost that might be involved, how much fabric I'd have to supply for those details, etc. In short, I'm sure I could probably get it done for you, but as any customization beyond what I list on the web site would likely get into added cost for the customer, the best bet for anything like this I think would be to contact us directly and let us research a price quote for you.

[McMurdo]

Matt

I like the new page layout, well done, one thing though at the bottom of the page where the photos are you state:

Click on a thumbnail image below to view other options.

I was thinking when I clicked on the photos I'd get a description of each jacket as well as a larger photo, in essence another page for each choice. Perhaps with all the information already on the page though this was not needed.

[Deil the Yin]

Good thinkin', man!

My suggestions:
1) maybe larger or enlargeable images of the different styles of the jackets (for their cuffs, ie the line drawings) for those not too familiar or first time buyers etc.

2) Just a detail, but I personally get kinda picky about the style of epaulettes, ie braided vs flat; don't know if this requires more elaboration etc?

3) From a technical/web user interface standpoint, I would HIGHLY recommend having your links (eg thumbnails and fabric selection) open in a new tab or pop-up window so that the user is not navigated away from the main order page. It can be a frustration to the user especially if they don't realise what has happened and then have to figure out how to get back to the correct page.

Aye,
Wesley

[M. A. C. Newsome]

3) From a technical/web user interface standpoint, I would HIGHLY recommend having your links (eg thumbnails and fabric selection) open in a new tab or pop-up window so that the user is not navigated away from the main order page. It can be a frustration to the user especially if they don't realise what has happened and then have to figure out how to get back to the correct page.

You know, I had them set up that way initially, but then when I gave the page a "test drive" in Chrome, they opened in the same window. Not sure why. So I reset the links to just open normal, until I can resolve that issue. But my intent was to have them open in a new window.

I only know enough about web design to be dangerous, so it may take a while to work these kinds of bugs out. :-)

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I personally dislike braided eppulates on daywear jackets, especially tweed. Braided eppulates are fine for doublets and coatees, but they just look out of place on an Argyll.

I haven't really broached the subject of epaulette styles with our jacket makers, but every Argyle we've had them make for us thus far has had a flat, cloth epaulette (or no epaulette, as requested).

I don't see any reason why a braided epaulette could not be supplied if requested, but, like you, I think Argyles look better with a flat cloth epaulette (or none at all).

[MacLowlife]

Sure enough, Longhunter, you have smoked me out. I am getting around to providing photographic proof of my wondrous red PC, supplied by Josh at Skye Highland Outfitters (you may as well start bowing now, so that you will be in practice) but I want to point out that he also offers a piper's doublet which can be customised with contrasting cuffs. There was great discussion over on the THD forum recently about a custom velvet number shown by Sandford MacLean with some contrasting parts. Very nice, indeed.

I do not want to completely hijack Matt's thread, though, so I will suggest that chances are very good that a creative customer could send a sketch to the STM and Matt would be able to get a quote, even beyond his newly versatile order pages. Just be sure to send the rest of us a picture when it is ready to wear!

[Kett]

I only went as far as "add to cart" for the "made to measure" option to play with it and didn't want to go any further without actually ordering (soon hopefully!)...Do you have a form to fill in for the sizes or instructions on how to measure properly for a jacket?

I agree on some info defining the differences for those not fully aware of the different kinds of jackets. Perhaps even a level of formality that the jacket is generally appropriate for.

It is a great addition to the site!