Dissappointed with UK

[cjbass]

My name is CJ, and as most of you are aware, I work for Utilikilts. While we generally dispense with specific titles, I tend to call myself Utilikilts' "Evangelist".

I've read through this thread completely, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to post their thoughts and comments, pro or con. The effort and intent of your messages is appreciated.

As many people have noted, the move to our two new locations in Pioneer Square (Admin/Production in one, Sales in the other) has not progressed as planned. Other issues surrounding our production department and our technology infrastructure have forced us to make quick seat-of-the-pants changes rather than carefully planned adjustments, as well.

It seems that Graham caught the brunt of it, and I cannot dispute his final decision to get a refund. I can honestly say my patience would not have lasted as long as his.

Graham: your clear description of the problems you encountered has caused us to address some holes in our processes here. I know it is of little solace to you now, but your experience and willingness to document it so well has helped us to mend our systems so others don't have the same experience.

To Chris (who has the kilt that needs to be repaired), all I can say is: Please, let us repair it! We are happy to repair any defects, and we want you to have a kilt you want to wear. Just leaving it in the drawer/closet does neither of us any good...

And finally, I want to address the misconception about us not taking orders any more. Very simply, we are almost complete with our new Production system, which will allow us to have one of everything in stock and ready to ship within 2 weeks. So there will be no reason to place an "order"... if you call, visit our website, or come in to our store, we will have what you want in stock and ready to go.

So there will be no need for us to take "orders". We will just sell kilts. Admittedly, this system (and the inventory to back it up) are not up and running yet. But they will be very soon.

Our business continues: we continue to hand make every single kilt, just as we have always done; every day more kilts are completed and hung on the racks ready to sell; and every day we introduce new people to our type of freedom.

Yes, we are still here, still thriving, and still listening to our customers. We may seem big from the outside, but we are small, lean, overworked, and making this **** up as we go. Usually fortune smiles on us and we seem to get things right. Sometimes we get them horribly wrong. But we unflinchingly own all of those things, good and bad, pro and con.


My intent here is not to sell you guys and gals on kilts. I just want to let you know that we have seen/heard you. And while I simply can't afford the time to be a more visible presence on this board, I do come here from time to time and try to be helpful and informative.

I hope I have served those two simple aims today.

Thank you for listening,
- Christian "CJ" Jacobsen

[Graham]

Thanks CJ for your kind words, I guess if this had been my first kilt I would not have been so patient. However, I am blessed with a fair number of kilts to wear during the wait.

I think the most frustrating part was being told the kilt was the correct size, when to my mind it was far away from that. I started to wonder if I was loosing the plot.

Glad the situation has helped UK, keep working at getting men into kilt!

[bubba]

Thanks for responding CJ. Even though UK isn't my style I guess I was pretty much right in my assumption of what the problems were. I'm glad the troubles are being addressed and wish UK a long and prosperous run.

[Monkey@Arms]

CJ,

Thanks for the update. Can't wait for the new system to be in place. (In my best Homer Simpson voice: Mmmm, chocolate workman, drool.)

Best regards,

Jake