Buying at Highland Games

**iKiltIt** · 16th August 16, 12:21 PM

Wondering if it is cheaper or more expensive to buy from the vendors at the highland Games when it comes to kilts? I want to have my kilt before the games here in Atlanta in October, but I'm nit sure I can have one made by then. I am pretty set n USA Kilts for purchasing mine unless I can get one at the games that would be comparable in quality and price. Any thoughts?

Also, Im wondering if other things like Sporrans, Kilt pins, etc would be compatible in price at the games as online. I want to support the vendors here, but also want to support the vendors that come to the games, too. If nothing else, I could get some accessories at the games if buying the kilt itself there wouldn't be prudent.

**Richrail** · 16th August 16, 12:33 PM

USA kilts are very fast I'd wager they could have one to you before October.

**ratspike** · 16th August 16, 01:27 PM

The kilts I've seen for sale at the games here have been cheap imports from Pakistan, priced in the $70-$100 range. Acrylic or lightweight wool fabric, with sewing that varied from mediocre to awful. I'd never buy one at what I expect is typical games/faire/festival vendor markup. These kilts also can't even remotely compare to what USA Kilts makes, not in quality of materials and construction, and certainly not when it comes to their experience and customer service. I bet if you placed an order now you'd have it by October.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 16th August 16, 01:29 PM

I'd also wager that the quality of the product you get from USA Kilts will FAR EXCEED the tat that's likely to be available at your local games (at least that's the case at the games I've attended).

I'm sure there are vendors at some events that sell decent merchandise, but much of what I've seen at various games isn't anything I'd spend my money on.

Caveat emptor!

Cheers,

SM

**GrainReaper** · 16th August 16, 02:15 PM

Rocky offers a rush order option you might want to opt for should you go with USA kilts, give them a call and they can walk you through the measuring process to be sure you do things right, then you can meet me in your new kilt in October in Atlanta!

**ctbuchanan** · 16th August 16, 03:23 PM

There are a couple of things at play here. You could buy a kilt from a vendor but I'm not sure what you would get. But I do know that in the northeast USA there a several really good kilt makers who set up a some of the festivals (some are members here). So you could make a contact with a good kilt maker and develop some trust with them after speaking to them a bit. Also many of the kilt makers to encourage sales will offer a 'games special' discount. As for the pins, sporrans etc., sadly I generally avoid the vendors as they need to overprice to recover the cost of the space. This is sad I know, but there a plenty of attendees who will buy, as a regular kilt wearer I need to husband my funds a bit more.

Aye,
CTBuchanan

**iKiltIt** · 16th August 16, 03:37 PM

Well there ya go! You guys have cemented my thoughts on USA Kilts. I kind of figured that buying from the games would be like buying from a RenFest. Not good products for a ton of money. Looks like I'll be ordering from USA Kilts soon. Hopefully I'll have it for the games but if not I'll wear trousers.

**tripleblessed** · 17th August 16, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by Richrail

USA kilts are very fast I'd wager they could have one to you before October.

My first kilt was ordered for the Stone Mountain Games in 2012. Ordered early October for third weekend games, arrived
early - Weds. before Sat. games. First outing at The Tavern in Conyers for the pregame soiree with @The Scot. Very easy. Hard part was realizing on day of arrival I couldn't close the buckles, but on Sat., in the middle holes in the buckles, down 4 inches in two weeks. If you can pull it off, they are up to the enabling.

My suggestion would be to order a semi-traditional from Rocky now, and join us for a couple of kilt nights to break the ice
before the crowds at the games. You'll leave thinking, "If that bunch of bozos can pull this off, I certainly can.".

As far as buying at the games, caveat emptor. Good merchandise, poor merchandise. Some good to very good value, some high mark-up junk. Ask questions, talk to us. Have fun.

**Pegasys** · 17th August 16, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

join us for a couple of kilt nights to break the ice
before the crowds at the games. You'll leave thinking, "if that bunch of bozos can pull this off, i certainly can.".

bwahahahahhahhahhaaa

**iKiltIt** · 17th August 16, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

My suggestion would be to order a semi-traditional from Rocky now, and join us for a couple of kilt nights to break the ice
before the crowds at the games. You'll leave thinking, "If that bunch of bozos can pull this off, I certainly can.".

I was hoping to kind of join in the next meet up with you guys regardless. I may e the only one in trousers, though, if I don't have my kilt by then.