TARTANWEB Disappointment

[Riverkilt]

Really a sad shame. Peter must be most frustrated. I doubt you know the name of the kiltmaker since you ordered through a middleman who passed it on to a kiltmaker who low bid the subcontract. I doubt that the middleman has an inspection process to check the workmanship of their subcontractors before reshipping to the customer. Even Utilikilts went through a period like this when they subcontracted out their work.

The solution is to deal directly with your kiltmaker. Saves middlman fees, eliminates communication errors, and the kiltmaker puts their name on the product and assumes responsibility for the finished product.

I have eleven hand sewn kilts with one more I'm jonesing for and have never ever had the slightest problem with workmanship. Its so very sad to see the gymnastics involved in fixing something that was sewn up wrong. I'm guessing I pay the same, or less, for my hand sewn kilts by going direct as others do going through middlemen.

I think middlemen are fine for assembling accessories and hard to find resources. For a hand sewn kilt I choose to deal direct.

Just sayin'

[davidlpope]

The solution is to deal directly with your kiltmaker. Saves middlman fees, eliminates communication errors, and the kiltmaker puts their name on the product and assumes responsibility for the finished product.

For a hand sewn kilt I choose to deal direct.

*** Ron, my thoughts exactly...

[denmcdough]

The problem is not with the buckle. I agree that it's probably the steeking.

I hate to spend more cash on this, but if I end up keeping it, maybe I'll have Bonnie Heather redo it, if at all possible.

As for looking around for a new kilt, Peter is starting his own business, Reid Kilts, and I KNOW he'll do an upstanding job. His kilts will, most likely, be done by Glenisla, one of Scotland's best!

I do hope for a happy, happy ending to this, so I'll keep everyone posted as to the progress/outcome!

[millykilts]

With regards you kilt problem the mistake is that the kiltmaker has failed to lift the pleats correctly.It is abit disappointing as you had to return the kilt and again it arrived with the pleats still incorrectly lifted.Iwould push for a remake but mark the kilt so you know they have not just carried out a patch job.The problem with a lot of these firms they outsource their kiltmakers and 9-10 times you find that the kilt has been made by someone sitting at home and the firm have no qaulity control on the items. It is the same when it come to kilt jackets a lot are coming out of China and Pakistan and this is strangling the kiltmaking and jacket making industry in Scotland and the Uk i refuse to purchase items outwith the country and try to see the workshop if possible.Be aware when you go to a lot of these kiltmakers on the royal mile in Edinburgh.Ask to speak to the production manager it will not take long to suss out if you are being bluffed. A good couple of kiltmaker are Wyvis kilts in Inverness to lassie who make them on sight. You should get what you pay for but don,t alway get it.

[denmcdough]

Really a sad shame. Peter must be most frustrated. I doubt you know the name of the kiltmaker since you ordered through a middleman who passed it on to a kiltmaker who low bid the subcontract. I doubt that the middleman has an inspection process to check the workmanship of their subcontractors before reshipping to the customer.

Yep, Peter is totally frustrated. And you're correct, I do not know the kilt maker, as Tartanweb is the middle man.

I think middlemen are fine for assembling accessories and hard to find resources. For a hand sewn kilt I choose to deal direct.

I've learned my lesson, Ron!

[CMcG]

That is very disappointing.

There have been some good bits of advice above re: the bottom buckle or a bit of steam pulling that wouldn't be costly. If it requires yet another rebuild, I'd ask for Tartanweb to refund that amount i.e. have another kiltmaker fix it and send the invoice to Tartanweb. Hopefully they would agree to that...

[denmcdough]

OK, some good news concerning the kilt disaster: Peter Reid, sales manager, will refund my money as soon as he returns to the office this coming week. Naturally, I must send the kilt back to Tartanweb before I receive the refund.

I'll probably use the money to have a new kilt constructed through 'Reid Kilts,' which will use Glenisla. Reid Kilts should be up and running, hopefully, by the end of January. And, Peter leaves Tartanweb on Jan. 14.

So, this ugly, long, frustration has some clarity. Finally!! Not totally settled, though, until I have the new kilt!

[llyd]

That might be the best of all possible solutions...And it sounds ike Peter is a real craftsman...very much of craftsmanship is how one ddeals with one's customers...I was doing alot of custom airbrush work on bikes a few years back...one must keep the bikers happy! Or else.

I enjoy the sentiment that one should deal directly with the craftsman...not only does it promote small business, it eliminates alot of overhead BS...and is very much like the stereotypical thrifty Scotsman!

[BoldHighlander]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune, but sounds like it will work out for you in the end.

A new jones.....can't wait to see the new (& improved) results!

[denmcdough]

BoldHighlander,

Yes, I do think this is gonna work out. Peter Reid is an upstanding gentleman! I trust he'll do me right.

And, the jonesing does start anew. I'll post pics of the new and improved kilt, when all is said and done. Hopefully in February!??? The wait will kill me!!!