I've had similar experiences. The latest was with Hector Russell with whom I was trying to give some business to a local company by buying some tartan through them. The sales assistant (who is also a kiltmaker) asked what I was going to do with it really tried to put my idea down and even laughed at the fact that I saw it on a website (on here). I explained the significance of Xmarks and how I'm sure a lot of members regularly use his company. He told me he makes proper Highland wear and isn't upto SUPPLYING ME MATERIAL as it was "a waste".
So basically he didn't want his business to have a cut from ordering me some material and handing it to me when it was in stock.
Some people really don't care about what impression they leave on you of their business, however, in sight of my experience I know some who are really put off with hector Russell in Glasgow now, partially because of this and their own experience of this man.