Let The Buyer Beware

**Riverkilt** · 26th August 07, 10:13 AM

Hmmm...not following your logic Rollerboy. Seems like if you did tell us who is providing such service they'd be in a rush to take care of you - do damage control when exposed? Might even generate some communication...

We're used to such waits on custom work such as hand sewn kilts and made to measure jackets....but off the rack???

You're in the right place on this board. We share the good and the not so good and it helps.

Ron

**Archangel** · 26th August 07, 02:04 PM

You should probably tell us. Keep it calm, like you have so far, and I think the mods will let it stand.
Ron is right, seems like most suppliers watch this site for news and respond.
Worst is you'll be in the same spot wondering where your stuff is.
Best is that somebody about to order won't lose there dime and "send you bad karma" for not letting them know sooner. There is a thread with those sentiments about a shop in Edinburgh.

I noticed that one of the sponsors of this site looks like the same kind of jobber shop you are describing. They look like they actually order from different companies and send it to you in their own name. That's my take, I could be wrong. I would also assume that they would be the same company you are referring to if I don't know better. My fear is that they would act the same way so it's only fair to let us know if it is not them.

**ardchoille** · 26th August 07, 02:18 PM

I deal with brick and mortar stores and have always been nervous about dealing with companies over the internet. Luckily I deal with a very nice company over the internet (did a lot of research on them before ordering) and have never been disappointed. Word of mouth can make or break a company and communication is vital. I agree, one needs to be cautious about dealing with anyone over the internet. I'm currently "branching out" and dealing with other companies over the internet, but only because the nice folks on these forums have posted reviews and news of the xmarks vendors. It's good to hear news of each other's experiences, whether good or bad, so that we can make an informed decision on purchases - especially custom purchases such as kilts.

I agree with Riverkilt. I would think a company would jump up and get to work, so to speak, if you posted their name.

Raptor · 26th August 07, 02:21 PM

I've been fortunate so far with internet purchases actually arriving, but I have had some stressful times waiting for dropship items. I can only echo the advice above: stick with reputable companies.

**MacWage** · 26th August 07, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by Livingston

Sounds just like my experiance. The company I purchased from was Clansman Knitwear and I would STONGLY advise against ever purchasing from them.

(Edit: the following has been proven incorrect. The owner of Clansman Knitwear, a Ralph Neilson, was passing himself as representing St Kilda itself, when he is actually just a vendor who carries St Kilda stuff. I stand corrected. I have left the ORIGINAL text to reflect what my impression WAS. However, for the sake of St Kilda's name, I am adding this provisio to the the "accusation" post- which is NOT correct in its connection of entities.)

Just a "heads-up," Clansman Knitwear is part of the St. Kilda (kilt and accessories)/Viking Technologies (web supply)/Tartan Web (info) group (which also own all the ----- Themes internet shops). All in all, I thing the "group" has 17 different entities involved. They are also the MANUFACTURER of many OTHER companies' stock as well. So, their stuff itself is pretty decent.

From what I have been able to tell, the main Group is under some sort of reorganization, at least in the US. I wonder what the final result will look like.

I met Ralph Neilson at the Greenville Games down here in South Carolina. He was running the St Kilda tent. I ordered an Argyle and vest, in Barathea (sp?) wool. They didn't have my size, so it was going to be shipped to me at the same show price for just the Argyle ($275, shipped). He kept in touch with me as to when their expected shipment would be expected from Scotland. So, I had no customer assistance issues AT ALL.
When it arrived:
I ordered from St Kilda USA, was billed from Clansman Knitwear (how I know of the connection), and it was shipped from Gaelic Themes in Glasgow, Scotland.
The product looks great, is tagged "St Kilda," and seems to be worth what I paid. So, I have no complaints.

**Ozman1944** · 26th August 07, 03:26 PM

TAXDRAGON, tell your tough son I'll be hiring him any day now; I might finally get things sorted out with his help.

Ignore ME will ya?

**Panache** · 26th August 07, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Archangel

You should probably tell us. Keep it calm, like you have so far, and I think the mods will let it stand.

The members of the Mod Squad are all kilt wearers and members of XMTS first and foremost. We all appreciate honest reviews of the products and services of kilt related merchants and their wares (be they XMTS sponsors or not).

Cheers

Jamie

**rollerboy_1979** · 26th August 07, 07:47 PM

[QUOTE=Panache;413236]The members of the Mod Squad are all kilt wearers and members of XMTS first and foremost. We all appreciate honest reviews of the products and services of kilt related merchants and their wares (be they XMTS sponsors or not).

Since I have the blessings of the Mods, and I'm hoping that the company I'm dealing with will be monitoring this, I will tell you who I'm having such difficulty with...........CLANSMAN KNITWEAR. You probably have guessed by now anyway, because the name has already come up on this thread. Ralph Neilson, if you are reading this you know who I am. The ONE phone conversation we had was very pleasant, but it was months ago! When I rec'd my Prince Charlie & vest, I contacted Gaelic Themes to ask if they were providing the other items, and they said they'd pass on my displeasure to you. You finally emailed me telling me not to contact your suppliers, that I should deal with you directly. I want to deal with you directly, but YOU NEVER RESPOND! It is sad that it took an email to your supplier to ellicit a response from you (it was the last I heard from him). I am a very patient man, but even I have my limits. I am going to give you every opportunity to regain my trust, but I will not approve the charge until I have all the items I ordered. I also want an update as to when I might expect my kilt. A 36.5" waist, 42" hips, 24" drop Marton Mills Black Watch kilt has to be hanging on a rack somewhere! I do not understand why you are unwilling to keep me informed.

Until I am completely satisfied, I would warn all of you to be very wary of this company. They appear to be struggling so I'd look elsewhere. At least that's my opinion at this point.

I'm not a complainer, but I won't be ignored.

**Riverkilt** · 26th August 07, 07:55 PM

Ah yes....one more reason to do a search before ordering.

Today, I still do business with Clansman Knitwear - but only at highland games where I can inspect the merchandise, pay for it, and take it with me.

Ron

**Livingston** · 27th August 07, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Ah yes....one more reason to do a search before ordering.

Today, I still do business with Clansman Knitwear - but only at highland games where I can inspect the merchandise, pay for it, and take it with me.

Ron

After my experiance 3 years ago, I feel exactly the same way. And then ONLY if none of the other vendors have that item.