MAIL ORDER

It is pleasing to be able to report that there has been a slow but steady demand for mail order items during the past year. From analysis of the orders, however, it is apparent that most of the postal orders are received each year from the same people. It is possible that members have misplaced the mail order brochure sent to them with their membership pack, and therefore are unable to send for the items on offer. If this is the case we would be delighted to mail further brochures to members who ask, subject to payment of $5 to cover the cost of postage.

You will note elsewhere in the magazine a page showing new mail order items currently available, and the new price list. It would be helpful if members could ensure when ordering that they calculate the cost based on the new price list.

To reiterate the point made in the last Newsletter, the quantity discount on orders in excess of one has been discontinued, and will only apply to orders of at least ten of anyone item. Postage will be charged separately, accordingly if you wish any items to be sent air mail will you bring this to our attention on your order form.

Albert B. Hunter of Mobile, Alabama, a regular purchaser of clan items, in his kilt and full regalia. Albert has recently acquired a full piper's plaid to complete his piper's uniform in Hunter tartan.

There have been difficulties in clearing large parcels through US customs with what appears to be about 15% customs duty being levied on the goods. As this charge is met by individual purchasers in the event of a private order, we shall have to increase charges made for items sold at Highland Gatherings by an equivalent. amount, as in this instance the Clan Officer who has received the goods from Scotland has had to pay the Customs duty, and this is then deducted from the money returned to Scotland. Members will appreciate that as we endeavour to keep quality high and costs low, the deduction of approximately 15% from the sale price together with the cost of postage means that the sale of items at Highland Gatherings results in a loss to the Clan instead of a profit which would go towards the maintenance of the Clan. buildings etc. at Hunterston.

Having now had experience of what items are popular at Highland Games, we shall be making packs to send to Clan Officers which will be made available to Clan members running tents at these gatherings. It is hoped that Clan members visiting the various Highland Games will take the opportunity to purchase small items and place orders to be sent from Scotland.