Reputation... is it worth it?

[Paul]

Hi there. Im finally going to get my first customized kilt
I came across someone who is willing to have 16oz 8 yard kilts, pleated to the stripe for £230. For the same rquirements all of the shops Ive checked out have quoted me £370-450 (also due to VAT)
I've seen examples of the kilts the girl has made in the past. Shes graduated from Keith Kilt School after a 1 1/2 year course and has made douzens of kilts of all requirements and sizes and they seem to be perfect. She also has a 3 week turnaround for the tartan Ive asked for - all other places say 6-8weeks and ideally I would need it in 6 for a wedding.

What do you guys think?
Is the reputation of Heritage of Scotland or Scotweb etc. worth the price? Or do you think that as long as YOU know that the person is capable of making the same quality of kilt you're assured enough, and you'd be happy to just pay 2/3-1/2 of the price?

[Heming]

I'd ask to see kilts she's made earlier, and if they look the business I'd go for it. To me, the maker's reputation/name is less important than the quality of the product. But since you need your kilt for a special occasion, be very sure that you can trust the delivery time of the maker you choose. Some people promise more than they can keep, not because they're liars, but because they're trying to please too many people too quickly...

Just my humble opinion.

[Highlander31]

I'd ask to see kilts she's made earlier, and if they look the business I'd go for it. To me, the maker's reputation/name is less important than the quality of the product. But since you need your kilt for a special occasion, be very sure that you can trust the delivery time of the maker you choose. Some people promise more than they can keep, not because they're liars, but because they're trying to please too many people too quickly...

Just my humble opinion.

I agree. If you can verify the quality of her past work, and if you can confirm with some of her previous customers that she has kept her promised delivery dates, then go for it.

[Erisianmonkey]

If I understand you correctly, you personally know that the kiltmaker in question can make what you want for less than Scotweb or Heritage of Scotland, and it will be a quality kilt. If that is correct, by all means get the less expensive kilt. From what I've read of Scotweb, their kilts are certainly worth the price that is paid for them, but I don't think that Nick and crew would begrudge you buying a less expensive kilt from someone you know personally.

Okay, I'm not being absolutely clear here. If quality is verifiably equal, I should think that no, reputation would not be worth it. Besides that, there isn't anything to stop you from getting a kilt from Scotweb or someone else later.

[KFCarter]

If you've seen her kilts and like them and her previous customers vouch for her, then you could say she does have a good reputation... just not a widespread one (yet!).

[McMurdo]

I'd have to say dealing with a kilt maker instead of a large company is always worth it. You have seen and like her work, and she did graduate the Kieth School so I'd say what are you waiting for order the kilt.

[Rex_Tremende]

Most of us are concerned over dealing with a kiltmaker we don't know and have never met, conducting business nearly in the blind. I'd say you're in an enviable position to deal with someone who's work you can inspect, get personalized attention, get what you want faster, and at a lower cost to boot.

Now, for having asked our opinion, the cost to you will be to post photos and a review when the deed is done.

Good luck,
Rex.

[bricelythgoe]

I'd ask to see kilts she's made earlier, and if they look the business I'd go for it. To me, the maker's reputation/name is less important than the quality of the product. But since you need your kilt for a special occasion, be very sure that you can trust the delivery time of the maker you choose. Some people promise more than they can keep, not because they're liars, but because they're trying to please too many people too quickly...

Just my humble opinion.

I agree. Look at her A LOT of her previous kilts. If you like them, go for it!

Brice

[Merlin]

Go for it... I know a leather worker that can make some things at a fraction of the cost as well. I know him, I trust him and I've seen his work so I dont hesitate using him.

[BroosterB1]

Think Globally, buy locally. All thing equal I would rather buy from the smaller merchant that the larger, nothing against the guys you mentioned, but the deal to the smaller kiltmaker is a a bigger matter than to the "Scots-web" or Heritage of Scotland. If the skill and craftsmanship are the same then the difference is the love she puts into her work. I'll take the love everyday.