a message that needs to be heard

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 10:16 AM

Technically this isn't a kilt-making post, but it contains a message which needs to be heard, I think.

I just bought a bunch of sunbrella fabric from Sailrite. Sailors will know who they are. The material is for a weather-resistant cover for my little 15 foot boat. Sailrite is an online store, in a VERY niche market....sailors who want to do canvas or sail work DIY.

Kind of niche, eh? Sort of like how kilts and kilt gear is "niche".

If I was going to shop out the job...have someone else do it I'd go with my friend Synthia at her little company "Beats Mowing the Lawn" ANY day. Synthia has made spinnakers for me, and gotten me the stuff I needed for my emergency sail repair kit. That's kind of like how Lady Chrystel made my Capercaillie kilt. However, this project is something I can handle, so I bought the stuff from Sailrite.

Here's the thing...I found the exact same stuff on ebay for about 1/3rd less. You know what? I bought it from Sailrite instead, because they provide a really valuable service and reasonable prices to sailors who are willing to tackle DIY sail and canvas work. This market is small. No local place can do what Sailrite does, the internet is their market, but can you find the stuff cheaper somewhere else, sometimes? Yes. Sometimes. BUT.

I want them to stay in business. Someday I'm going to want to buy a new sailmakers palm, or #6 luff tape, and if Sailrite isn't there, then just where am I going to find it? When I have a question, who am I going to ask? the answer to that is Synthia, but I digress

Sometimes price isn't the most important thing. Think about that the next time you walk into a vendors booth at the Games or a brick and mortar shop to try on a jacket. You figure out the exact size, walk out and then holler triumphantly here at X Marks about how you saved so much money by buying it from someone else, online. Yeah. Think about that.

Just MHO, OK, well maybe not so humble.

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 10:18 AM

BTW, I checked with Synthia before I bought the stuff from Sailrite and she didn't have any "cadet gray" in stock and said that she wouldn't sell enough of it to buy a bolt, which is what she usually buys....so go get it at Sailrite.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 18th October 11, 11:13 AM

Thank you for that, Alan.

**Mirthlesstroll** · 18th October 11, 11:42 AM

My husband does this as well. He takes our sons to the local comic shop and buys them books there. He could get it cheaper on Amazon.com, but if everyone does that, then no more local comic shops, or any other Mom 'n' Pop places.

**zirrow** · 18th October 11, 11:43 AM

I wholeheartedly agree. We often forget that the sometimes higher prices we see go to cover the cost of having an item for you to try on or an associate available to answer questions. When someone goes to or calls a shop for these services and then purchases the item online because it's cheaper, they are effectively stealing, at least time, from the shop that provided them service.

**Spartan Tartan** · 18th October 11, 02:48 PM

If I could try on what I want, I'd never buy online... I totally agree, I will alwats pay more to ensure I get the quality i desire over saving a penny and settling for just the right size while quality suffers.

**BEEDEE** · 18th October 11, 03:05 PM

As another customer of Sailrite I can only endorse Alan's comments. What he failed to mention, however, is their service level which I rank up there with Stillwater kilts for delivery and Rocky at USA Kilts for customer service.

It's going that 'extra mile' that makes them what they are and deserving of our support.

Brian

**Alan H** · 18th October 11, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by BEEDEE

As another customer of Sailrite I can only endorse Alan's comments. What he failed to mention, however, is their service level which I rank up there with Stillwater kilts for delivery and Rocky at USA Kilts for customer service.

It's going that 'extra mile' that makes them what they are and deserving of our support.

Brian

Sailrite is AWESOME.

...kind of like Rocky and Kelly, yeah.

**Kett** · 18th October 11, 08:12 PM

Well said, Alan!

**chrisupyonder** · 18th October 11, 08:36 PM

In one way I agree but our local highland shop only sells 8yd wool kilts so I bought my tank from them and am saving up for another. But they do not sell 5yd or cheaper polyester etc. I have suggested it to them but they said there would not be a market for them up here. I do buy other stuff from them as well, hose, sporrans, ties etc. So regarding local (to you) suppliers, if ya don't use em then lose em.

Chris.