Balmoral purchase

**davidlpope** · 16th December 19, 04:43 PM

Bill,

Why not cancel the order with B&S and order directly from Mackie? I've had no problems dealing directly with them, and even had them create a custom balmoral for me. Unless something's changed, you should just cut out the middleman...

[Edit: I just checked through my email, and it seems that Chris Taylor-Balls was my middleman. So, not sure if you can deal directly with Mackie...]

David

**Father Bill** · 16th December 19, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Bill,

Why not cancel the order with B&S and order directly from Mackie? I've had no problems dealing directly with them, and even had them create a custom balmoral for me. Unless something's changed, you should just cut out the middleman...

[Edit: I just checked through my email, and it seems that Chris Taylor-Balls was my middleman. So, not sure if you can deal directly with Mackie...]

David

David, I looked at that and couldn't find ordering contacts. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Glengarryhats at half the price (!). I E-mailed James at B & S and told him I'd changed my mind and asked for the refund. I'll make a decision after I see that they do indeed put the money back onto my card.

No rush; I was hoping to have something special, but it's turned into something rather sorry.

I'll avoid B & S in the future. Unfortunately, they have the Canadian market tied up on some things, such as Locharron.

**Arnot** · 17th December 19, 02:20 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

David, I looked at that and couldn't find ordering contacts.

If you would like, I would be happy to inquire with Mackie to see how to go about a direct purchase for you.

**Father Bill** · 17th December 19, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by Arnot

If you would like, I would be happy to inquire with Mackie to see how to go about a direct purchase for you.

It's an incredibly generous offer. Thanks! Unfortunately it would also mean dealing with import, shipping, duties, exchange rates, etc. etc. I'm a wee bit gun-shy right now, but if I decide that's my preference, I'll let you know.

It's always heartwarming to know that we have the support of this wee online community.

Merry Christmas!

**Arnot** · 17th December 19, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

It's an incredibly generous offer. Thanks! Unfortunately it would also mean dealing with import, shipping, duties, exchange rates, etc. etc. I'm a wee bit gun-shy right now, but if I decide that's my preference, I'll let you know.

It's always heartwarming to know that we have the support of this wee online community.

Merry Christmas!

You are quite welcome. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

**Oday450** · 17th December 19, 07:53 PM

I ordered a Navy Balmoral from JHiggins a few months ago from their web site. It was not in stock and had to be ordered from Mackie. It arrived in a reasonable time and at no additional cost. This was in the US so I don’t know about any additional duties you might encounter. Great product and good price.

**Father Bill** · 17th December 19, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Oday450

I ordered a Navy Balmoral from JHiggins a few months ago from their web site. It was not in stock and had to be ordered from Mackie. It arrived in a reasonable time and at no additional cost. This was in the US so I don’t know about any additional duties you might encounter. Great product and good price.

Hm. Might want to have a look at Higgins.

Thanks!

Edited: No navy diced shown. Reasonable prices though (USD)

**Dr Bee** · 19th December 19, 03:09 AM

Originally Posted by Arnot

If you would like, I would be happy to inquire with Mackie to see how to go about a direct purchase for you.

For the benefit of anyone in the UK, I recently tried to purchase direct from Mackie with no success and they referred me to a retailer I'd never heard of. Eventually I bought my Mackie Balmoral through the STA Online Shop although I did it over the 'phone. As my Balmoral was non-standard - black, black toorie and trailing ribbons - it had to be made to order. The guy at STA could not have been more helpful, the Balmoral arrived pretty quickly, about a week I think and it is indeed a magnificent specimen - well worth what I paid for it - which was £63. As this was in October 2018 it is possible Mackie and Co have changed their policy on direct ordering by now.

**Arnot** · 19th December 19, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by Dr Bee

For the benefit of anyone in the UK, I recently tried to purchase direct from Mackie with no success and they referred me to a retailer I'd never heard of.

Thanks for pointing this out. They have indeed changed their policy. They did sell to the general public at one time, but have stopped doing so. I didn't ask why when I spoke to them (I just wanted to be sure I wasn't mixing them up with another supplier), but that's what I was told.

**imrichmond** · 19th December 19, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

I'll avoid B & S in the future. Unfortunately, they have the Canadian market tied up on some things, such as Locharron.

Actually, a number of highland retailers in Canada carry Lochcarron hose and flashes. I believe Lochcarron owns Burnett's & Struth, but they still supply other retailers in Canada. Perhaps B & S has the exclusive franchise for Ontario, but certainly not for the rest of country.