Gold Brothers, aka...

[Iolaus]

There's definitely some people with attitude problems in this thread, but Heather's not one of them; she's been about as civil as could be expected.

[thecompaqguy]

post deleted

[bear]

Nice to see this getting out in the open. For years I've heard bad things about the Gold Brothers but no real evidence. Just a label of 'tartan tat' merchandisers.
I think they had the nerve to open shops on The Royal Mile and face the wrath of the big kiltmaking houses.
If people are that disappointed in them and all they sell is 'tartan tat', why are they so successful? Are they fooling all the people, all the time? I always heard you couldn't do that.
There's more here than meets the eye. And I think it has to do with business, competition, and press coverage.
Add to that the big kiltmakers forming unions to keep themselves as the only 'true' kiltmakers.
There's a lot going on with the pressure to the big guys in the biz and publicity filters down to kilt forums.
We should read the news with an eye to which way it is tainted. That's smart with any topic.

[dfmacliam]

If the Gold Brothers really did not care about their image.. I am sure Heather would not have established an account here to discuss, issues and to promote her company... If one has an issue with what they market, then do not buy from that market, but you must respect the people. A lot of vendors sell the same type of product the Gold Brothers sell, and what makes these people stand out is their customer service. So if a company sees an opportunity to improve their customer service, why knock them?...
I say, we should treat all members of the forum with respect, reguardless if they work for one company or another.. We are not elitists here.. we are just a cross section of the kilt wearing public.

[Phogfan86]

Here's my entire issue with Gold Brothers. Call it silly, if you want, but it is what it is.

I'm really going to have to be sold on a justification of why Gold Brothers okayed the manufacture of a construction of cheap kilts in a tartan that was a dead ringer for Diana, Princess of Wales.

This tartan is exclusive to Locharron. That's just plain unethical. Sure, maybe they don't make it or sell them anymore, but the fact that they started is enough for me. Locharron will most likely survive, though, which brings me to...

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the DPoW tartan and kilts made from it go to the late Princess' foundation. Knowingly duplicating the tartan in that context is just plain low.

This is all it took for me to know that I didn't want anything to do with any of the Gold Brothers products.

[Heather MacCain]

Thank you for your opinion, I do appreciate this.

I've been unaware of this occuring during my time at the company however I've checked this with my manager and can confirm that we clearly do not supply this now.

The owners had supplied this as a cheaper alternative to a popular pattern but when they were made aware of the legal concerns surrounding this particular pattern it was withdrawn. All the products in Princess Diana tartans we do now are supplied by Lochcarron.

[Heather MacCain]

If the Gold Brothers really did not care about their image.. I am sure Heather would not have established an account here to discuss, issues and to promote her company...

I had several reasons for joining this forum. First of all, I love my heritage and I love tartan. I might not be such an expert as some people here, but I read and learn all the time - and this forum is extremely helpful!

The second thing is obvious - I wanted to clear some issues reagrding the company I work for. I have to say I was not forced to join this forum, it was my own idea and you can be sure that I am not going to lie here. Also, I am not planning to keep advertising GB here as forum is about discussion, not advertisement - this is how I see it. If you are interested in our upcoming offers and special deals, I can always let you know what's going on - just ask.

If one has an issue with what they market, then do not buy from that market, but you must respect the people. A lot of vendors sell the same type of product the Gold Brothers sell, and what makes these people stand out is their customer service. So if a company sees an opportunity to improve their customer service, why knock them?...
I say, we should treat all members of the forum with respect, reguardless if they work for one company or another.. We are not elitists here.. we are just a cross section of the kilt wearing public.

thanks for this.

I know there has been a lot of bad publicity against Gold Brothers and I do understand the company at that time deserved a lot of this.

However, since last year we have done a lot to change this bad image. After a fraud commited by one of GB's employees our eBay account had been suspended. We have worked very hard to make it possible to sell on ebay again and now we are a Gold Powerseller with over 17000 positive feedback. It feels great to see our work resulting in such amazing way. Also our Saltire Club has been a massive success - we are getting a lot of support from our customers even though they are do not have to give us any feedback after shopping via our website.

So I really hope for this bad image of GB will have vanished for good soon.

[Marshal Moroni]

Heather,

Thank you for being so courteous, when on occasion words have been somewhat cross. I believe that there is lots of room in this great big world for many levels of product offerings. There are many good kilt makers and distributors. I hope that you along with everyone else on this great forum will work with and support kilt makers everywhere.

Regards,

Marshal Moroni

[pdcorlis]

Heather

I'm late to this discussion but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your honesty and dignity. You have proven yourself to be forthright, tempered, and thoughtful. I for one am glad you are on this forum. I know we have much to offer here and I think you'll fit in nicely.

[McClef]

I would still appreciate a response to my post on the labelling on page 7 though Heather.