KiltStore.net - a wee update

[Nick Fiddes]

I hope it's okay to use this forum to mention a few recent changes here at Kilt Store... Firstly, a few people have criticised our shipping charges (even though these have only ever really covered our costs!) so we're now offering a totally free shipping option with all orders. Yes, worldwide. Hope that helps.

You'll also find our range of tartans (and other materials) is now bigger than ever. And after a recent programming blitz, I think we're now unusual, if not unique, in actually showing on the web site the final price for a finished kilt in whatever tartan you're looking at. Usually you'll find vendors just say 'surcharges may apply' but we think it's more helpful to know this before you order...

For those of you who've always wanted to make your own kilt, we've just added a kit to help you on your way. This includes a really excellent book with in-depth advice and patterns for various different styles of kilt, plus all the straps and buckles etc. so you don't have to go hunting these down. All you need is your material. This is on a special offer at the moment, but of course that won't matter so much here with the X Marks discount... ;-)

Oh, but having said that, if you're looking for a plain colour kilt in the full 8 yard traditional style, we've got a current offer running on that at the moment which is an even bigger discount than the X Marks one from the banner at the top of this page.

You might also be curious to take a look at our new Manley Richardson range. These are very much at the luxury end of the market, with no expense spared in their construction values. And frankly, the quality of our standard (and even budget) kilts is so good, the difference is mostly in the detailing, such as premium grade leather etc. and the opportunity to specify strap colours and buckle styles (even silver plated!). But we'd be interested in your impressions. See
http://www.manleyrichardson.com for more...

And finally, an appeal! We've recently added a "Customer Reviews" facility to every product page on the site, which includes the chance to upload your own images of our products in action. We'd be extremely grateful if any of you who have been good enough to purchase from us in the past could find a moment to upload any odd pics you have, and say a word or two about your experience. Judging from the conversation elsewhere on X Marks you've mostly found our service pretty good. And you've hopefully where you have found room for criticism (such as the postage issue mentioned above) we've taken it to heart and set out to sort the issue. But we'd love to have your feedback on the site, so other customers can hear it from voices other than our own! Thanks. :-)

As usual, just ask if there's anything more you think we could or should be doing. Or if we can help in any way. Cheers guys!

Nick

[bubba]

Thanks for the update Nick. It's always good to hear good things from the sellers and makers.

[Woodsheal]

Nick,
You guys are great,and offer excellent products! My only shipping headache involved US Customs, not anything at your end....

[Graham]

Nick, I'm not sure if you include me in the list of complainers, I did complain both to Kiltstore and here, I said "I went to order a kilt pin, cost 18AUD, nice pin - nice price, but the postal charge comes to 32AUD"

I think that was a valid complaint, but in fairness, the cost of postage was reduced to a very reasonable price and the sale went ahead.

I was satisfied and will continue to buy from Kiltstore with confidence.

[Nick Fiddes]

Thanks all for your kind words. And I wasn't 'complaining about you complaining' Graham. On the contrary, you're absolutely right. Have you ever tried programming a fully automated sales system for over seven thousand products of radically varying weights and sizes to be sent worldwide by a choice of shipping methods? ;-) It's only by people making us aware of issues that we can spot and address them. So I've never understood companies that resent complaints... my view is that they're incredibly valuable.

And as for the customs thing Woodsheal. Well, tell us about it! US Customs I'm sure are a bunch of fabulous people with lovely families. But boy would our lives be easier if they behaved like any other country we deal with. (Actually it would help if they just behaved consistently from one State to the next!) We ourselves were recently hit by a thousand dollar fine because a new employee had accidentally shipped a child size sealskin (i.e. illegal) sporran to a US address, which had slipped through our technical systems without being spotted. And as for sgian dubhs! I can't describe the hoops we're having to jump through to get these "weapons" through without ridiculous difficulty. On top of their grievous threat to homeland security, with antler horn ones etc. we have to provide triplicate forms identifying the species (in latin!) and country of the animal's origin. Etc. etc. Aaargh!

But somehow we manage to stay a step ahead mostly. With the help of Fedex and others, we're developing systems that should sidestep the customs delays and charges with most orders. But one of the reasons we like to stay in touch here is that it gives us real insight into the problems you guys encounter. So please keep letting us know!

[Jerry]

Nick, your kilts look great. I haven't ordered from you in the past, and it will probably be some time before I buy another kilt, but I do have a question. After clicking on your banner add at XMARKS, I notice that all prices are listed in this way:
$214 or $349 ect.

Are these prices actually given in US dollars on the sight or are they in British pounds? My son is looking (sometime in the future) to purchase a tartaned kilt in our family (father's side) tartan, Macneil of Barra. He has only a few solids (Utilikilts) and one in a general tartan so far. If your prices as given, are in US dollars, they would fall into his price range.

[JBfromBS]

Whatever you're doing, it seems to be working. I received my Bruce modern 8 yarder in the middle of July from you, (through FedEx) and it was only "held up" in customs for one day. I did not have to fill out any kind of form to get it cleared. A person from FedEx did call before it made it to customs asking me to fill out some sort of pre-arrival form, but I was out of the office and did not get it filled out. It made it through without that form being done. I did receive a large envelope from FedEx a few weeks later and was expecting the worst (Customs duties and a FedEx brokerage charge). But, woohoo , it said "no additional fees due"!!! I am very pleased with your customer service, and the kilt itself is first rate in both material and workmanship. I have done more business with you since and will continue to do so!

Joe