Gents:

This idea has been floating around in my brain housing group for a while. I have lots of ideas. Sometimes they're really bad, sometimes they're really good but unworkable, and every so often, I'll have a good idea that works.

For me, it's hard sometimes to evaluate custom items from afar. Let's face it, on e-bay one kilt looks pretty much like another kilt, and its hard to know if the kilt you're looking at is really well made.

So it occurred to me: maybe some of the kilt makers would like to offer a "check kilt." In my imagination, this is how it would work. Let's say I wanted a USAK but just wasn't sure if Rocky and Kelly knew their stuff, or if PV would work for my needs and preferences and climate. (NOTE: I picked Rocky and Kelly at USAK because I just love their kilts already, and because I have NO DOUBT that they know their stuff and that the PV works for my needs and preferences and climate.)

I call up "Rocky" and say, "Hey, I think I like your stuff but I'm not sure."

The kiltmaker says, "I have a check kilt I can send you, so you can look at the work."

I pay for the check kilt, the kiltmaker sends it to me for evaluation. It wouldn't be in my size, and it wouldn't be in my tartan, but I'd get a kilt from the kiltmaker into my hands, to look at the seams and the stitching and the workmanship and the material. Suitably impressed (let's say), I could then send the kilt back to the kiltmaker, and the money I paid on the check kilt could then be rolled over towards purchase of a kilt in my size and tartan. On the other hand, if I'm not sufficiently impressed, I return the check kilt and the kiltmaker returns my money, less shipping.

Is that a goofy idea?

Obviously it would work best for a kilt maker and customer in the same jurisdiction to reduce shipping and any possible customs charges. I was just thinking of how much I like the USAK line, and how initially I was reluctant to try a PV kilt. Rocky and Kelly, hey, they've sold me on their kilts, but what if I'd hated the material? Here I am, stuck with a couple hundred dollars worth of custom tailored kilt that I don't like.

The usual caveats would apply, of course: for a refund, the check kilt would have to be returned in the condition it was shipped (basting stiches are an issue I haven't confronted yet), without greasy paw marks, etc.

Is this an idea that has any merit? What sayeth the rabble?