Greetings X-Marks!

This isn't my first post here. I registered three years ago, when I first thought of buying a kilt. Life got in the way, but I recently graduated from law school, and I figured that if I don't jump in and buy one now, especially with my security deposit from my last apartment coming back soon, I might never get a kilt.

I was looking at Scotweb, and they are practically giving away a full tank. Well, maybe not giving, but a few years ago they were charging at least $500, and now I can get a tank (the 8 yard Balmoral), in Gunn modern, House of Edgar, 16oz, for just a shade over $300. That's pretty competitive with what other kiltmakers are charging for 5 yard casual models in some places. I noticed that there doesn't seem to be any way to select if you want it set to the stripe or the sett. Is this left to the discretion of the kiltmaker at Scotweb, or is there some way to specify which you prefer? Given that Gunn modern has that nice red stripe, I would prefer it set to that, but for $300 I suppose I'll take what I can get and like it!

I have a few other concerns about Scotweb, though. I know the quality is second to none, but I am a little leery of buying such an expensive garment from an overseas retailer sight unseen, and with no practical way to get a hold of them save email. I noticed that they offer free shipping on orders that large, but it is uninsured and there is no way to track the order once shipped. Do any X-Marks posters have experience buying from Scotweb with the free shipping, or should I just pony up the extra $45 and use the priority international courier? I'm worried the kilt might be damaged in transit if I use the free shipping, and then I would be out $300 and forced to remain in pants. Also, are there any international duties I have to pay?

Thanks in advance for your help.