Wow, I'm glad this thread popped up again because I missed it the first time around.

Here are some thoughts from a kiltmaker about how to assess a good kiltmaker from afar.

1) I'm assuming that you are going to be communicating via e-mail or phone. So the first criteria should be does the kiltmaker respond promptly and do their responses address your questions and concerns.
I spend a good portion of my mornings speaking to other kiltmakers, suppliers of kilt related products, customers and prospective customers. I feel answering correspondence to be a VERY important part of my business. But not all do. I have had times when I have waited over a week for a return to an e-mail. I've also had people on the phone who will talk about everything and anything but answering your direct question. (Almost like getting the 'canned" speech or promo)

2) Your prospective kiltmaker should have a "real" presence. Now I'm not saying they should have a brick and mortar storefront but anyone who professes to be a reputable Traditional Kiltmaker and only does business over e-bay probably is not what they claim.
Many of the best kiltmakers work out of their home or have second careers like Barb Tewksbury. What I'm saying is that if you really wanted to visit them would it be possible. Say for example you call up Sally Sorefinger about her kilts and ask if there is a way to see examples of her work and she responds with something like "No, I only deal over my website", go somewhere else. Even if the kiltmaker says they will be at the next Highland Games would be good enough.

3) If the kiltmaker has a website, does it contain photos of their work. And is it actually their work. Can you ask them for a review or recommendation from another customer.
Every kiltmaker worth their salt that I know is very proud of their work and will find some way for you to see and evaluate it.

4) I can tell within the first few sentences when a prospective customer has done their homework. They ask the right questions. They want to know about things like depth of Deep and Reverse Pleats, about how I think the kilt should be pleated to best show off the Tartan, etc. It is a pleasure to answer those questions. What I hate is when some guy calls and asks things like "Can you get me a kilt with the whole nine yards?" or "Do you have a blue kilt like so-&-so was wearing on TV last night, in my size? I want to wear it to a wedding next week."

5) Does your prospective kiltmaker have a waiting list? Any good kiltmaker will tell you right up front that it will be 'x' weeks for your kilt. They will explain about ordering the fabric and waiting for it to come in, they will tell you about the 35 customers ahead of you in the line-up.
Any kiltmaker that tells you they can have a Tank in your hands in two weeks should be avoided.

6) Will your kiltmaker accept a down payment to cover ordering the fabric with the remainder due prior to the start of sewing? Not all will but most do. We understand that a good kilt is a lot of money for most people and try to offer some way to make it a little easier for them. I also believe that if you ask the question just that way (I'll pay for you to order the fabric and the rest when your ready to make the kilt), most will agree. We know that at least we are not out of pocket for fabric in a rare tartan knowing that no one else will ever order a kilt from it.

7) What is your kiltmakers guarantee? If a mistake is made or a problem found later will the kiltmaker stand behind their work. I'm not saying that they owe you alterations when you gain weight, but if some stitching comes out will they fix it.

That should give a prospective kilt buyer some ideas of what to look for.

The best advice anyone can give is DO YOUR HOMEWORK! If you are going to invest in a Tank you owe it to yourself to do a little research.

I would also emphasis the need to take your time, ask questions, and then go sit on your decision for a while. I often tell my customers, especially when I have a young couple where it seems he wants a kilt but she isn't too keen on the idea, to go down to the corner coffee shop and talk it over. I know full well that nine times out of ten I'll never see that customer again. But I also know that if they come back they know that a kilt is what they really want.