Alan, I have to thank you for a very well thought out and worded post.
I have been in this business for a little over a year now and have managed to break even. But just.
The main differance between a small, one man shop like me, Bear, and Jeff, and some of the 'big guys' is that we do all of the work ourselves. That includes bookkeeping, answering the phone, sweeping the floor, and sewing kilts.
My kilts are made from between 6 1/2 and 8 1/4 yards of fabric. If it weren't for the pockets, I can make a kilt in a day. For a pair of side slash pockets or rear welt pockets, add 4 to 5 hours/pair. Cargo pockets take 2 hrs./pr. All told make it 2 to 3 days /kilt
Now, I'm not, and never expect, to get rich at this business. God, I wish I could make a kilt for $80.00. I wish I could get every man who wishes to wear a kilt, in one. But I can't, and never will, at the price I have to sell them to put food on the table.
I have had all kinds of offers to do as UK has and hire an outside shop to contract my sewing and turn out 1500 kilts a month. Principles keep me from becoming a sweatshop promoter. But as soon as a space opens up I will have my own storefront and will hire some young guy with as much passion for kilts as I have. Perhaps then I can get my wait list down to something acceptable.
Until then, Freedom Kilts will continue to make a quality kilt. Sell it at a modest profit. And back my product with my personal promise that each customer gets what he paid his hard earned money for.
I advertise my kilts as everyday wear. That's everday wear for those who wish to wear them, not mainstream for everyone in the world. I don't expect everyone to wear my kilts. I just want everyone who wears one to wear it for many years of pride.
Your post said what I couldn't. Thank you again.