Looking for review/opinions of TartanWeb

[Robert]

Several months late, I just so happen to stumble into the question of Tartanweb. About 18 months ago I purchased a complete Argyl outfit from Tartanweb. As I do not intend on purchasing another of these outfits for many years, I paid up for the custom made outfit. I can say that the quality was excellent. I was very concerned about getting a made to measure jacket, vest and kilt over the internet/phone. However, despite my concerns, when the outfit arrived, everything fit perfectly and I mean perfectly. I was also very impressed with the quality of the materials that went into the jacket, etc. The quality of the kilt fabric is much easier to deduce because there is only about 3 makers. I think Loch Carron (sp?) is the best. I was also put off when I called a well know US maker of "tank" kilts and they seemed surprised and a little put off that I wanted to specifiy the weaver of my tartan. Probably due to proximity to the weavers the Scottish kilt sources seem much more willing to procure and make your kilt out of exactly the fabric you want. This may seem to be a minor point but the quality and weight of the kilt fabric is very important to the look and feel of the garment.

I just wore the outfit a week ago and I am still very satisfied with the product. The proprietor of Tartanweb was Douglas Gregor. This was clearly a small business as I called him a few times to ask questions and work out the details on my order. Basically when I called him he answered and would even walk around what I think was his small store looking for inventory, etc. that I wanted to know about (BTW if you have a MCI prepaid calling card from say, Costco, Sams, etc. the cost of calling the UK is very low).

I think the price of the package while not low, was very reasonable. I was able to cross shop a few things in his package, for example, the exact make and model of shoes for price comparision purposes and found his prices very competitive. I really like that he emphasized the better quality products and had different and unusual items on his site that most of the web competition (whether in the US or Scotland) did not. I have never seen anyone in the US with the same or even similar sgian dubh.

Unfortunately, for those of you who have read this far, I went to his site tonight and discovered that Mr. Gregor has sold his business and website to a Glasgow based firm. In a quick review I noted that the Tartanweb product line has changed drastically to machine sewn kilts etc. (His kilts were handsewn). Based upon the new ownership and changed product line I can no longer recommend Tartanweb. I suppose the original Tartanweb concept of higher quality from a small proprieter was just not able to make it in this competitive world.

[arrogcow]

Unfortunately, for those of you who have read this far, I went to his site tonight and discovered that Mr. Gregor has sold his business and website to a Glasgow based firm. In a quick review I noted that the Tartanweb product line has changed drastically to machine sewn kilts etc. (His kilts were handsewn). Based upon the new ownership and changed product line I can no longer recommend Tartanweb. I suppose the original Tartanweb concept of higher quality from a small proprieter was just not able to make it in this competitive world.

Based on their contact info it looks like tartanweb is now owned by the same company that owns scottishkilts.net , scottishthemes.com and several others.

Adam

[Colin]

Based on their contact info it looks like tartanweb is now owned by the same company that owns scottishkilts.net , scottishthemes.com and several others.

Adam

You are right Adam, Scottishkilts.net aquired tartanweb a few months ago and have been revamping the site and the business.

[LoftGuy]

Robert,

Thank you for a most thorough review of Tartanweb products and sadly, I must agree with your conclusion. Its truly sad to see a small shop, dedicated to service and quality, cease doing business.

Having bought on both sides of "the Pond", I believe that in the future I shall make every effort to patronize quality oriented kilt makers in North America. There are a number of them who will take the time to communicate with and make recommendations to their clients and complete the product in a timely manner.

Bob

[macwilkin]

Robert,

Thank you for a most thorough review of Tartanweb products and sadly, I must agree with your conclusion. Its truly sad to see a small shop, dedicated to service and quality, cease doing business.

Having bought on both sides of "the Pond", I believe that in the future I shall make every effort to patronize quality oriented kilt makers in North America. There are a number of them who will take the time to communicate with and make recommendations to their clients and complete the product in a timely manner.

Bob

Check out our neighbours to the north -- Hector Russell used to have a store in Toronto (it looks like they've changed hands now, but if Darren P. is still there, you're all right) and Burnett & Struth in Barrie, ON -- B & S are excellent kilt makers!

Cheers,

Todd

[LoftGuy]

[QUOTE=cajunscot]Check out our neighbours to the north -- Hector Russell used to have a store in Toronto (it looks like they've changed hands now, but if Darren P. is still there, you're all right) and Burnett & Struth in Barrie, ON -- B & S are excellent kilt makers!

Cheers,

Todd,

By no means did I intend to leave out "our neighbours to the north"; when I wrote North America, I meant the USA and Canada; for that matter, Mexico and Central America also, though I've not heard of a kilt makers there, yet.

Bob

[Matt Dawson]

To post my 'two cents' here, I suppose I would begin by saying I'm a bit relieved to hear others say they were pleased with the service received from TartanWeb, albeit before being "consumed" by a larger conglomerate or corporation. However, my wife ordered me a Montrose Doublet for my birthday well over a month ago, and though our card was charged (along wth some strangely high "foreign transaction" fees), we have not seen the jacket yet. We have both tried to find out the status of the order by posting queries, sending emails, and calling, but have yet to have anyone respond to us. After spending over $400 on this jacket, we are quite concerned that we can't reach anyone to help us find out what is going on! I mean, I don't really expect things within 30 days if they are coming from across the Pond, but we've had no correspondence from them save for the initial 'receipt of purchase' email some weeks ago. Quite alarming at present!