Another AtlantaKilts.com review

[Wareyin]

Apologies if this is the wrong forum.

I am attending several weddings in the next few months and desired to go kilted. Because of time and budget constraints, I went with AtlantaKilts.com for their acrylic kilt in a Modern Buchanan tartan. The staff was nice and helpful, but not very knowledgeable when I stopped in to get measured on a Saturday morning. I think that was because one salesperson was brand new and knew nothing about kilts. I even pointed out to them that their website showed a different Buchanan tartan that what they had on hand as a sample. A week and a half later, they called to tell me my kilt had arrived. I was impressed with the quick turn around. I didn't have time or proper clothing to try the kilt on in the store, as I had to run out there right after work to make their very short business hours. Upon getting home, I discovered that what was billed as an 8 yard kilt has about 8-10 fewer pleats than my other kilt (MacKenzie Modern from an unknown maker), and has 3 huge belt loops in the rear, with the "center" loop being off-center by about 3 inches to my left, while wearing the kilt. I was not very happy, but was unable to contact the store except by email. They were apologetic, and offered to have their seamstress fix the loop if I brought it back in. When I brought it back in (difficult as they are an hour away), I found out that they knew the loop was that badly off center before calling me, but assumed I wouldn't care, since "most guys wouldn't care". I was rather surprised that they hadn't told me, as I could have saved a trip and had them fix it before I drove all that way. To their credit, they did have the loop centered the next day, and shipped back to me the following day. I had asked that they remove the loop altogether, as my other kilt only has 2 loops, but 3 loops is ok.

I've recommended this place several times, and very much prefer to shop "local" when I can, but I doubt I will be back, or recommend them, unless one is in a pinch.

[MacCathmhaoil]

I'm surprised that no one researches these "inexpensive" vendors here before wasting their money. A few minutes of effort here may have saved you much disappointment.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...a-kilts-49803/

[Wareyin]

I have read that thread. The last few posts made me feel better about working with them. That, plus the advantages of dealing with someone in person. Luckily, I paid nowhere near the $800 claimed in that thread!

Finding a Buchanan pleated to the set that I could get in 3 weeks or less really limited my options.

[Fireboykirk]

Frustrating no doubt, but how does it look?

[Wareyin]

I think that for that price point, it looks good. I have not measured pleat sizes, and given that Buchanan is an asymmetric tartan, it's hard to know what it would be centered to. I will look the kilt over tonight, but the only things that stood out to me were the belt loop and the number of pleats being much less than I expected.

[Mike S]

"Most guys wouldn't care"? Obviously a man who is purchasing a highly personal and eclectic garment such as a kilt is not indifferent to the niceties of his apparel, and among the base category of "Most guys".

Based on that alone, their attitude and response sounds very much like a schlock peddler to me.

[Wareyin]

"Most guys wouldn't care"? Obviously a man who is purchasing a highly personal and eclectic garment such as a kilt is not indifferent to the niceties of his apparel, and among the base category of "Most guys".

Based on that alone, their attitude and response sounds very much like a schlock peddler to me.

I was rather surprised to hear that phrase. I would have been unhappy if my jeans had had a belt loop that badly off, much less a custom fitted, specialized garment that I drove an hour to custom order from you! (generic you, not singular)

[Leprechaun 91]

I am wearing one of their Off-The-Rack Black Watch Acrylic Kilts now. The material is heavier than I have seen from "Tartanista." The straps are solid. I have had this one for three years now and wear it as part of my regular Friday rotation at the office and to the Games when the weather is bad. It's a decent "Pub Kilt." That it is marketed as a wedding kilt I would find suspect as it is a 5 yard Hemmed Acrylic. Generally the ladies have been courteous. They were very surprised when I first went in and knew where to put the kilt (at the navel) when I tried it on. "Most guys" just don't know.

As for the "Most Guys" comment, I believe they were speaking to their normal Kilt-for-hire clientele. They probably really mean "Most of our customers wouldn't know the difference". Still not a good way to view it from a customer service stance. Even if the groom has his own proper kilt, likelihood is, his groomsmen have no idea what they are looking at. ... Let alone how it's properly worn. That being said, I believe this would be all the more reason for sales staff to offer extremely courteous advice and service. They should be there to educate their clients so they can grow their business.

I will liketly buy another of their Acrylic "pub kilts" for the purpose I listed above. For me, it's a know quotient and I can just stop by and address any issues. I am curious to see how their recently added "custom 16oz wool made in Scotland to your measurments, wait 6-10 weeks for construction and delivery" Kilts will do. I may swing by (I'm only 15 minutes away) and ask a few questions regarding their kilt maker in Scotland. I am curious who they use. If it's HoE or another known maker I might pull the trigger and give one a try. At $400 for what is supposed to be an 8 yard, It might be worth a try.

I agree that shopping local when possible is the way to go. I also believe in supporting small business when I can. BUT... I also believe in doing so only where that business is acting in the best interest of their customers. I am sure Brad wants his business to succeed. I do not believe it is his wish to alienate his customers. I can't help but thnk that the kilt-for-hire business is very transactional. Since the garment is generally for aa event that will happen rarely. (Many will never wear a kilt again.) As a business man, I believe this is all the more reason to work extra-hard to develop strong relationships with those for whom the garment is not just a "one-night-stand". Look beyond the transaction to the lifetime value of a relationship. (sound dating advice as well. )

If Brad were to focus (like Rocky, MAC, Barb, Steve, and others here) on delivering top-quality produces with superlative service his business would thrive. We have very little in this region to choose from in the area of proper Highland wear. An Atlanta based shop that sells the real thing with pride and a smile would do very well here.
*We have 4 Active Pipe bands (at least).
*We host one of the largest Highland Games in the country.
*We have a very active St Andrew's Society.

There is a customer base beyond the odd wedding or prom.

For now, we will drive up to the Tartan Museum. (GO SUPPORT THEM) They are absolutely worth it.

Atlanta Kilts is what it is. A tux rental shop that foccusses on Highland Wear.

NOTE:

If I do swing by and find anything out about their custom kilts I will certainly post it here. Likewise, if I decide to procure such a garment, I will review it for the Rabble.

End Rant...

David

[KyleAisteach]

Upon getting home, I discovered that what was billed as an 8 yard kilt has about 8-10 fewer pleats than my other kilt

By itself, this should not be surprising. There are a lot of factors that determine the number of pleats, and even with the exact same tartan, different kiltmakers will make different decisions.

The rest of the story, on the other hand, has red flags all over it. Hopefully they'll realize that when dealing with expensive garments (even an "inexpensive" kilt is a lot more money than a pair of shorts at Ross) they need to emphasize superior service.

[Leprechaun 91]

Wareyin,

Was this the newer custom wool kilt they offer? I have just fired off an email asking them some questions about that product. I may swing by next week to Chat them up too.