Jonesing and Concerned!

[Rick Y]

In late July of this year my mother and I ordered kilt packages through a vendor at the Portland, OR Highland Games. How long does one usually have to wait?

On the top of my receipt it has, handwritten, "St Kilda c/o (the vendor name)" and gives a phone number. When I call it, I get a message telling me that the person there is not taking calls. When I look up the vendor online I find a web page showing him in business in Colorado. On his contact page is a phone number and an (for want of better description) automated email. The phone number goes to an answering machine and allows me to leave a message which I've done about ten times so far. I used the email function in early August to question exchanging the sporran belt for a larger size and I got a response telling me it was the only size they carried. Since then I've used it several times inquiring about a due date but get no response.

Have I been ripped off? I didn't post the vendor name because I wasn't sure if that was frowned upon or not. I am positive that he told me at the time of purchase that it would only be 3 to 5 weeks but my mother said she was told several months. If she's right then OK, I'll keep waiting but I would certainly feel better if the vendor would just respond instead of ignoring me. There, I've ranted and now I feel much better!

[MacCathmhaoil]

You may want to do a search on St. Kilda........

[Carlo]

I've ordered my new kilt late july and received it last friday. So I would say that it is not uncommon to wait that long; But it's normally not a good sign if you don't hear anything from the vendor. I was sent an e-mail that it would take some more time because the requested tartan was out of stock.
Good luck to you mate.

[Destin_scot]

12 weeks is not unheard of, (esp if the tartan is rare) but the lack of communication is the concern. As Carlo said, it's not a really good sign..and as MacCathmhaoil said, search the forum for the vendor and reviews.

If purchased via credit card, you may want to contact your credit card company about it...good luck and post your successes about it.

[ASinclair]

Hello Rick,

You mentioned St Kilda, so this might be of interest to you -

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...lda-usa-77983/

I'm not sure if this will reassure you or worry you even more.

[Steve Ashton]

Please note that this is St. Kilda USA and no longer part of, or affiliated with, The St. Kilda Group of Scotland.

[Rick Y]

Well, after reading the linked thread I actually feel better. Everyone seemed to eventually get their orders. That's good news! So, what is the relationship between Ralph and St Kilda USA? I see that Ralph's email address is on the new web page for St Kilda USA. I was going to call the phone number Monday on the web page but indecisive now if it is merely one more number for Ralph. I don't know why it would be any more effective than the other two numbers I already have.

[RockyR]

Well, after reading the linked thread I actually feel better. Everyone seemed to eventually get their orders. That's good news! So, what is the relationship between Ralph and St Kilda USA? I see that Ralph's email address is on the new web page for St Kilda USA. I was going to call the phone number Monday on the web page but indecisive now if it is merely one more number for Ralph. I don't know why it would be any more effective than the other two numbers I already have.

Ralph IS St. Kilda USA. I wouldn't be at ease quite yet.

[flyrod6057]

If you're being "jerked around" or the vendor is refusing to return your calls, then I recommend stopping payment on the order. (If you paid in cash, you're out of luck) I had an issue with a vendor in the UK a few years ago who refused to answer or return my calls regarding a rather expensive jacket. I called my credit card company and told them to hold payment, as I had received no consideration from the vendor. As soon as I did that, the vendor became VERY interested in my order. All turned out well eventually. However, I found that until the vendor was faced with the loss of sale, they showed little interest in my order.

[Rick Y]

I reckon a leopard doesn't change his spots and Ralph is also holding true to form. Left a message on the St Kilda USA phone number and have heard nothing back. Of course, he's only had one business day since my message but projecting future actions based on history tends to make me believe I would be wrong in telling any of the kids to stay off the phone because I'm expecting a phone call!

Unfortunately I made this deal with Ralph before I joined XMTS and acquired any knowledge regarding types/qualities of various material, manufacturers, etc. Fortunately, I guess, I intended this kilt to only be a cheap, temporary measure as I (based on doctor's orders and wife's threats) am in the process of losing weight and didn't want to spend big bucks for something I might not be able to use for long. At this point I may not be able to use it at all! 17 lbs down and only another 80 or so to go. Should be a snap.