Why Buy a Handsewn Traditional Kilt From a Middleman?

[Cawdorian]

The important thing is to deal with somone you can trust and who has a good reputation in the business, I bought my latest kilt from Matt Newsome because I wanted to properly measured for it. I knew it would take 8 to 12 weeks to get the kilt, it's being made by Lochcarron and should arrive in the next few weeks. I have purchased quite a few items from the museum and never been disapointed with the service or the finished product.

Some of the hidden fees you encounter when ordering a kilt from Scotland can be a surprise. The price of the kilt will be adjusted for the dollar/pound exchange rate on the day it is shipped. You can also be charged customs fees and currency exchange fees. I would rather let a middleman who knows the business handle the kiltmaking and importation process for me. It will save you a few headaches.

[Pour1Malt]

always best tae gae straicht tae the kiltmaker if ya can...

that is why ai use my local Anderson's Kiltmakers here in Dumfries...

[davedove]

I think one good reason for going through a middle man here in the States has already been mentioned - customs fees. By using a local merchant, the merchant is the one who deals with all the currency fluctuations, customs fees, etc.

I do however, prefer dealing directly with the kiltmaker, especially local ones. All but one of my tailored kilts has been made by stateside kiltmakers. I have kilts from Kathy Lare, Alexis Malcolm, and Matt Newsome.

[Aggie]

I bought a coat and vest from Scotland. The quality of the product was very good and the coat did arrive in time for my needs. However, the lack of good communication involving the middle man gave me more concern than I care to repeat unless necessary. For this reason I prefer using kilt makers on this side of the pond (US) to avoid customs and middle man markups. I currently have two kilts in the works with Kathy Lare and Matt Newsome. As Ron has mentioned, a kilt maker who already has your size and preferences is a big help.

[Riverkilt]

Aye,

That's find for the shy kiltmaker, but why should I, as a kilt buyer, wanna deal with -and pay - that third party just for the shy kiltmaker's peace of mind?

I don't recall ever seeing a thread where someone dealing direct with a kiltmaker for a hand sewn traditional kilt was having a problem with delivery or getting a response to questions by phone or email. There seem to be quite a few from someone dealing with a middleman for a hand sewn kilt was dealing with an unresponsive middleman.

I just think working direct gets such better service.

Ron

[arrogcow]

Aye,

That's find for the shy kiltmaker, but why should I, as a kilt buyer, wanna deal with -and pay - that third party just for the shy kiltmaker's peace of mind?

I don't recall ever seeing a thread where someone dealing direct with a kiltmaker for a hand sewn traditional kilt was having a problem with delivery or getting a response to questions by phone or email. There seem to be quite a few from someone dealing with a middleman for a hand sewn kilt was dealing with an unresponsive middleman.

I just think working direct gets such better service.

Ron

--cough--Bear--cough



Going to sit in the corner now.

Adam

[Scotus]

Simply put, if the kiltmaker delivers the product as you like it and they choose to go through a middleman, then you pay for it. I have no problem with this.

[David Dalglish]

I get my kilts from THE House of Edgar, yes its true that I dont know the actual kiltmaker, but I have just recieved my third kilt from them( Ancient old Stewart 10 yd 100% heavyweight wool) I am delighted with them, & will order my next kilt from them soon.

[Riverkilt]

Cough cough...hey Adam....point taken, but was speaking here of hand sewn traditional kiltmakers - not contemporary kiltmakers.

Few middlemen for contemporary kiltmakers other than say Amazon.com for black UK workmen's...and of course Buzz Kidder who sells both direct and through others...or did...confused how they're marketing now.

But for a traditional hand sewn kilt made by a kiltmaker who only sews them and related accessories up I still think the best service is direct...just makes sense too.

Why pay extra for the middleman....and, it certainly seems to me that a hand sewn kilt craftsman/woman who chooses to be out front has a reputation to guard moreso than the shy, "hidden" kiltmaker.

Ron

[Rampant Lion]

Both me and my brother bought our kilts through middlemen (well I think where I got mine still counts as a middleman). I got mine made by the people of the Celtic Craft Centre in San Francisco and I love it. My brother got his from The Scottish Shoppe here in Calgary.

My kilt was measured in San Francisco and then made in Scotland. The company has a sister store in Edinburgh.

My brother's kilt was made by a kiltmaker that the Scottish Shoppe gives all of their "kilt work" to. His kilt is very well made as well.

From the front they look almost identical. The tartans are centered the same side ways. There's just a little difference with how they "line up" top to bottom. My kilt has just 2 buckles, one on each side. I know this isn't what people usually see, but my kilt is shaped so well to me that the 3rd buckle isn't necessary. My brothers has 3 buckles.

So, two different middlemen, using two different kilt makers and the result is two kilts that are very well made and at a glance look identical.

Here's the thing though. The people from both shop(pes) that did the measuring were originally from Scotland and have kilts of their own.

So I have no problems going through a middleman... you can kinda get a feel for how well they know what they're doing and how well they work with their kilt maker by talking to them.

There's another "middleman" here in Calgary that I wouldn't hesitate to use either. I've heard nothing but good things about them and they're originally from Scotland too. When I called them a ways back to inquire about getting a kilt and how much it would be they lady there sounded excited about me getting a kilt. I couldn't order at the time (didn't have any idea how expensive they were then), but I haven't forgotten that.