[rant] Let's not forget that even the big guys of kiltmaking are actually quite small businesses, and knowing how tight the margins are in the tailoring industry I'm guessing each sale is just as important to Scotweb or Geoffry (Tailor) as it is for an unkown (yet) kiltmaker on the move up. It's no wonder many tailors and kiltmakers have other jobs on the side - there just aren't enough customers to pay everyone's bills. I've been planning for years to maybe start a small knitting/sewing business as half of my (modest) income, but I just can't say for sure that I'll survive the first year of it.

We can't all support every kiltmaker/tailor out there, but I think it's important to remember that the only criteria for choosing your provider should be quality of product and quality of service. A hand made garment is expensive because it's made by hand, for you, and e.g. a quality suit jacket will have interfacings that cost a lot more per yard than the main fabric. Find someone who delivers what you want when you want it, with a big smile, and support them. If you think the price is steep, ask them what you're paying for. Good service also means educating your customer! [/rant]