Made in the USA

[DollarBill]

So I find there is always some chatter about buying made in the USA. I find myself pretty patriotic but I like a good deal. So where should we draw the line?? Seems like most would consider driving a foreign car and buy things from Wal-Mart. I recently found a web site while I was trying to find a steering wheel cover. I couldn't find anything on Amazon and came a crossed a Chinese website that had exactly what I wanted at a quarter of the price. I checked the BBB site and it did have some bad reviews but I figured I would take the chance to see what would happen. If it fails, I lose $25 bucks. If it's good I can save some bucks. I don't know how I feel since it's a Chinese website. What do you think??

The site is http://www.aliexpress.com/

[Emilyngh]

So I find there is always some chatter about buying made in the USA. I find myself pretty patriotic but I like a good deal. So where should we draw the line?? Seems like most would consider driving a foreign car and buy things from Wal-Mart. I recently found a web site while I was trying to find a steering wheel cover. I couldn't find anything on Amazon and came a crossed a Chinese website that had exactly what I wanted at a quarter of the price. I checked the BBB site and it did have some bad reviews but I figured I would take the chance to see what would happen. If it fails, I lose $25 bucks. If it's good I can save some bucks. I don't know how I feel since it's a Chinese website. What do you think??

The site is http://www.aliexpress.com/

IMO, buying something that is Fair Trade is more important than "Made in US."   I will spend considerably more to buy something that's Fair Trade, especially if it's also of higher quality.

[kel]

I have bought several things from that website. It is your typical consumer moral conundrum, but magnified because it's closer from the source. Instead of buying it from Walmart or Amazon, who buys it from a vendor in China, who buys it from a warehouse or factory in China staffed by overworked underpaid individuals, you are skipping the Walmart part or one of their middle-men.

In my experience, the quality is a crapshoot. The price will always be better. But you will be funding the consumerism machine. Sometimes that's okay because I'm going to buy it anyway, and I'm not badass enough to avoid being a part of the machine all the time. Sometimes I'm tempted by the super low prices to buy other junk I don't need - that's where I draw the line.

Personally I don't care that much about buying American, we live in a global economy and that's great. I do care more about buying from ethical or reputable manufacturers, but obviously not enough to make it a deciding factor for every purchase.

[agent_clone]

So I find there is always some chatter about buying made in the USA. I find myself pretty patriotic but I like a good deal. So where should we draw the line?? Seems like most would consider driving a foreign car and buy things from Wal-Mart. I recently found a web site while I was trying to find a steering wheel cover. I couldn't find anything on Amazon and came a crossed a Chinese website that had exactly what I wanted at a quarter of the price. I checked the BBB site and it did have some bad reviews but I figured I would take the chance to see what would happen. If it fails, I lose $25 bucks. If it's good I can save some bucks. I don't know how I feel since it's a Chinese website. What do you think??

The site is http://www.aliexpress.com/

IMO, buying something that is Fair Trade is more important than "Made in US."   I will spend considerably more to buy something that's Fair Trade, especially if it's also of higher quality.

There is one problem with fair trade.  The poorest people can't afford to get their goods fair trade certified.  So it does not reach the poorest of the poor.  The idea is good though.

[Beric01]

I couldn't care less where it's made. If it's a good value product, I'll buy it. If it's not, I won't.

The US has hurt our competitiveness by minimum wage policies, excessive union power, government subsidies and political donations inhibiting technological advancement, excessive taxes (and corresponding loopholes) etc. I'm not paying more for US-made products due to our own economic mistakes.

[Travis]

So I find there is always some chatter about buying made in the USA. I find myself pretty patriotic but I like a good deal. So where should we draw the line?? Seems like most would consider driving a foreign car and buy things from Wal-Mart. I recently found a web site while I was trying to find a steering wheel cover. I couldn't find anything on Amazon and came a crossed a Chinese website that had exactly what I wanted at a quarter of the price. I checked the BBB site and it did have some bad reviews but I figured I would take the chance to see what would happen. If it fails, I lose $25 bucks. If it's good I can save some bucks. I don't know how I feel since it's a Chinese website. What do you think??

The site is http://www.aliexpress.com/

IMO, buying something that is Fair Trade is more important than "Made in US."   I will spend considerably more to buy something that's Fair Trade, especially if it's also of higher quality.

There is one problem with fair trade.  The poorest people can't afford to get their goods fair trade certified.  So it does not reach the poorest of the poor.  The idea is good though.

I'm not sure there even is such a thing as "fair trade" certified.  You pretty much have to do your own homework to check out where the item came from.  Most trade treaties these days are focused on "free trade" and working towards "fair trade."  Making things fair is more difficult since you have to dictate to another country how they handle their environmental, safety, and intellectual property laws.  Removing tariffs is easy, but making sure another government isn't cheating or abusing their labor force is another matter.

It's a simple matter of economics that somebody will be better suited to make something cheaper than the next guy.  Developing nations have cheaper labor pools and fewer regulations.  We might get upset that someone in Malaysia is being paid by a US corporation $1 an hour to do something than Americans could do for $10, but those wage scales are competitive relative to the local economy.  It does matter to me if that company is stealing patents and using child labor though.  I really don't mind if a developing nation has a successful business since that means that's fewer people we'll be asked to go rescue and feed down the road.  I don't deal with the problem too often since like many on this site I simply don't buy a lot of "stuff."

[AH013]

I couldn't care less where it's made. If it's a good value product, I'll buy it. If it's not, I won't.

The US has hurt our competitiveness by minimum wage policies, excessive union power, government subsidies and political donations inhibiting technological advancement, excessive taxes (and corresponding loopholes) etc. I'm not paying more for US-made products due to our own economic mistakes.

+1

"Consumerism-patriotism" is a uniquely American concept. If I feel like supporting the American economy, I'll buy whatever (typically foreign) product offers the best value, and use the difference between that price and the made in USA price to prop up the stock market.

Side-topic:  When thinking about made in USA, does anyone else think of the 30 rock episodes. The ones where lemon finds out the "hand-made in USA" actually refers to the slave labor being used on the Vietnamese island of Usa, or the USA poorly-built couches that are so terrible that their only commercial use is as a torture device?

[agent_clone]

"Consumerism-patriotism" is a uniquely American concept. If I feel like supporting the American economy, I'll buy whatever (typically foreign) product offers the best value, and use the difference between that price and the made in USA price to prop up the stock market.

Actually, I can guarantee this is not uniquely American.  I live in Australia, we have varying levels of Australian made on various products.  We are also encouraged to buy Australian.  Many countries have taxes on importing goods as a form of protectionism on goods.

I'm not sure there even is such a thing as "fair trade" certified.

There is.  General logo in Australia and I guess other parts of the world we have here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairtrade_certification
What is apparently the US and Canada logo here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Trade_Certified_Mark

[Basenji]

Depending on how expensive the item is, I do research on durability, quality, prices, and where things are made. If I can buy something locally made (not just USA, but near Virginia), I will. Less shipping, supports a local. I also buy used, which also cuts down on shipping and skips the "made in" issue.

[Iron Mike Sharpe]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.


Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

[Matte]

The US has hurt our competitiveness by minimum wage policies, excessive union power, government subsidies and political donations inhibiting technological advancement, excessive taxes (and corresponding loopholes) etc. I'm not paying more for US-made products due to our own economic mistakes.

Economic mistakes?? Our standard of living is great compared to the rest of the world. Not that they are perfect but Im grateful for our system.  I liked earning 8 bucks an hour as a teenager, and like making good money safely in my union job.  It makes things like fi possible.  I try buy north american whenever possible (often buy used), and try avoid Walmart or other low wage employers.  I like Costco or other higher wage retailers.  That being said if an item cannot be found made in north america I'll go straight to aliexpress or eBay and buy direct.  A big part of this motivation is environmental too.  Shipping across the world takes tonne of fuel, and I doubt 3rd world manufacturers have anywhere near the environmental standards of the ones here. 

Each dollar is a vote.... I vote for what I believe in, and how I want the world to be.  I would rather buy less then support industry that harms its employees and the planet. 

[Tetsuya Hondo]

The US has hurt our competitiveness by minimum wage policies, excessive union power, government subsidies and political donations inhibiting technological advancement, excessive taxes (and corresponding loopholes) etc. I'm not paying more for US-made products due to our own economic mistakes.

Setting aside the political campaign donations/institutionalized bribery system that we have in the US, what countries should we be more like regarding the other things? I can think of one or two for a few of these, but not all.

I'm not picking a fight with this, I'm genuinely curious who you see as better in these regards.

[Eric]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.

Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

I've never viewed it that way.  I think the sentiment is that if you buy local, your dollars help your neighbor, who in turn helps his neighbor, etc.  In that way, it makes your local economy strong, which benefits everyone in your area, including yourself.

(feel free to define "local" as you see fit, as I don't think it changes the thought)

[Gin1984]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.


Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

I care about buying local because it benefits our local community.

[Basenji]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.

Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

I've never viewed it that way.  I think the sentiment is that if you buy local, your dollars help your neighbor, who in turn helps his neighbor, etc.  In that way, it makes your local economy strong, which benefits everyone in your area, including yourself.

(feel free to define "local" as you see fit, as I don't think it changes the thought)

That's how I think. I'm not a bombastic flag waver, but I am voting with my money to preserve the neighborhood (e.g., buying from locally owned stores the locally made stuff). But obviously this isn't possible for most things.

[NoraLenderbee]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.

Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

I've never viewed it that way.  I think the sentiment is that if you buy local, your dollars help your neighbor, who in turn helps his neighbor, etc.  In that way, it makes your local economy strong, which benefits everyone in your area, including yourself.

(feel free to define "local" as you see fit, as I don't think it changes the thought)

I see it the same way. For me, "local" can extend to "US," depending on context.

However, if someone's going to buy a Chinese-made product (because it's cheaper, or because there's no US equivalent, or whatever the reason), there's nothing wrong with buying direct. I feel no obligation to support Wal-Mart.

A friend of mine bought some electronics (ham radio? walkie-talkies?) directly from a Chinese web site, and it was cheaper, but it took a long time. He had to return something because it was defective and it was a royal PITA. But it did work out eventually.

[SisterX]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.

Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

I've never viewed it that way.  I think the sentiment is that if you buy local, your dollars help your neighbor, who in turn helps his neighbor, etc.  In that way, it makes your local economy strong, which benefits everyone in your area, including yourself.

(feel free to define "local" as you see fit, as I don't think it changes the thought)

That's how I think. I'm not a bombastic flag waver, but I am voting with my money to preserve the neighborhood (e.g., buying from locally owned stores the locally made stuff). But obviously this isn't possible for most things.

I also prefer buying local because I know better what went into a product and what environmental standards are being enforced.  If I buy something made in China, sure someone in China is making a profit.  But, what about the effect on air and water quality there and how many people are harmed by their lax standards/enforcement?  What about the people lower on the chain, or aren't the ones making a profit?  Are they making any kind of a livable wage or are the effectively slaves?  (See: garment workers.)  If I buy local, especially from smaller vendors, I can be fairly well assured that there's no lead, our water isn't being destroyed, the people making products are being paid a fair wage, etc.

Also one of the reasons I try to buy used as much as possible.  So I buy used first, then local, then I'll think a lot about whether or not I actually Need something or if it's just a Want before buying a cheap item manufactured far away.  Generally, the answer is that I do not actually need that item.

The one exception to this line of thought is gift cards.  We get tons of them from family for holidays and birthdays and though we're terrible about spending them, I will admit that they do get used for brand-new items and I try not to think about who manufactured that item.  If we were FI I'd probably give the gift cards away, but as it is we can't really afford to.

[AH013]

"Consumerism-patriotism" is a uniquely American concept. If I feel like supporting the American economy, I'll buy whatever (typically foreign) product offers the best value, and use the difference between that price and the made in USA price to prop up the stock market.

Actually, I can guarantee this is not uniquely American.  I live in Australia, we have varying levels of Australian made on various products.  We are also encouraged to buy Australian.  Many countries have taxes on importing goods as a form of protectionism on goods.

Yes, that sounds like perfectly normal economic incentives. I'm talking about good 'ole American consumerism-patriotism. Like the kind where if you drive a Honda or Toyota you may be socially ostracized simply because your car is foreign, and thus you are a "traitor" to the American brand. Where people will call for boycotting stores because they dare to sell some Made in China products.  And where in some areas people may intentionally destroy your property (like key your car) solely because it is not made in the USA. This is typically more prevalent in old industry towns that have seen employers unwilling to continue manufacturing in the states and moved production to a different county, and thus these people see any non-"Made in USA" purchase as a modern day Benedict Arnold act that "steals American* jobs"
*Mentality that the fact that their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather worked at the same factory entitles them to their job at 5x the international wage rate for that line of work.

[RWD]

Yes, that sounds like perfectly normal economic incentives. I'm talking about good 'ole American consumerism-patriotism. Like the kind where if you drive a Honda or Toyota you may be socially ostracized simply because your car is foreign, and thus you are a "traitor" to the American brand.

Yet a lot of Hondas and Toyotas are built in the United States (same goes for many other foreign car brands). Meanwhile "American" cars are often built in Mexico and Canada...

[Gin1984]

"Consumerism-patriotism" is a uniquely American concept. If I feel like supporting the American economy, I'll buy whatever (typically foreign) product offers the best value, and use the difference between that price and the made in USA price to prop up the stock market.

Actually, I can guarantee this is not uniquely American.  I live in Australia, we have varying levels of Australian made on various products.  We are also encouraged to buy Australian.  Many countries have taxes on importing goods as a form of protectionism on goods.

Yes, that sounds like perfectly normal economic incentives. I'm talking about good 'ole American consumerism-patriotism. Like the kind where if you drive a Honda or Toyota you may be socially ostracized simply because your car is foreign, and thus you are a "traitor" to the American brand. Where people will call for boycotting stores because they dare to sell some Made in China products.  And where in some areas people may intentionally destroy your property (like key your car) solely because it is not made in the USA. This is typically more prevalent in old industry towns that have seen employers unwilling to continue manufacturing in the states and moved production to a different county, and thus these people see any non-"Made in USA" purchase as a modern day Benedict Arnold act that "steals American* jobs"
*Mentality that the fact that their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather worked at the same factory entitles them to their job at 5x the international wage rate for that line of work.

Please do tell where these towns are as I have never heard of this. 

[MrFancypants]

I buy the best product that meets my needs for the best price and don't put much thought into it.

[RWD]

"Consumerism-patriotism" is a uniquely American concept. If I feel like supporting the American economy, I'll buy whatever (typically foreign) product offers the best value, and use the difference between that price and the made in USA price to prop up the stock market.

Actually, I can guarantee this is not uniquely American.  I live in Australia, we have varying levels of Australian made on various products.  We are also encouraged to buy Australian.  Many countries have taxes on importing goods as a form of protectionism on goods.

Yes, that sounds like perfectly normal economic incentives. I'm talking about good 'ole American consumerism-patriotism. Like the kind where if you drive a Honda or Toyota you may be socially ostracized simply because your car is foreign, and thus you are a "traitor" to the American brand. Where people will call for boycotting stores because they dare to sell some Made in China products.  And where in some areas people may intentionally destroy your property (like key your car) solely because it is not made in the USA. This is typically more prevalent in old industry towns that have seen employers unwilling to continue manufacturing in the states and moved production to a different county, and thus these people see any non-"Made in USA" purchase as a modern day Benedict Arnold act that "steals American* jobs"
*Mentality that the fact that their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather worked at the same factory entitles them to their job at 5x the international wage rate for that line of work.

Please do tell where these towns are as I have never heard of this.

Detroit comes to mind: http://jalopnik.com/5110067/four-foreign-cars-vandalized-in-michigan

[Bob W]

Here's the strategy I like to use sometimes.

A.  Buy local or from a locally owned business
B.  Buy a Missouri made product (Beer mostly)
C.  Buy a Midwestern made product
D.  Buy USA

Best strategy is to buy very little or as little as realistic.   I buy used clothes,  used cars,  used houses.  Since I'm a whole food eater most of the food I buy is sourced in the USA or Mexico (a US suburb).

I think I shall start tracking this behavior and see if I can get near 90% (excluding energy) on near my home purchases.

Although sometimes, especially with electronics, it is impossible.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Rika Non]

I do always check where things are from, and I try to buy made in the USA products (as an American) when I can.  Mostly this actually serves the purpose of not buying as much random stuff.  All the niffty junk in those central isles of Sam's / Costco that are tempting, get flipped over and I check where they are from.  I think about it for a moment and over 99% of the time the stuff is always puts back on the shelf.  For me it's a way to prevent random purchases.

My one sticking point is actually kitchen items.  I will not buy Chinese cookware / glassware / ceramics because of the more lax standards on industrial chemicals.  For that I favor USA or E.U. products & also Canada / Mexico. 

[Jouer]

I've always viewed "Made in the USA" as a marketing slogan, not something to really adhere to. (Full disclosure: I'm Canadian.) I won't buy something just because it is made in Canada, unless it's something we're particularly kick-ass at making.

But I do like the idea of buying local...when it works price-wise. Buying local (true local) often times means fresher produce and certainly removes the cost to the environment of shipping goods from elsewhere.

[eccdogg]

I've always had problems with the Buy USA campaigns. 

It's like we are saying that we as Americans are superior people and therefore should benefit from our purchases just because we are born within a certain arbitrary geographical location.


Purchasing a good made elsewhere will still benefit people.  Who cares were they happened to be born.

Agreed.

I don't care more about some person in California than I do a person in China.  We are both human beings and liberalized trade with China has brought 500 million people out of poverty there in the last 30 years.  Not US style poverty, but living on less than $1 per day poverty.

[MrFancypants]

If you get over the "buy USA" marketing thing you can typically find some very high quality items created at small manufacturers.

Recently we needed a new vacuum because the one we have is too heavy for my wife to haul around with her pain condition.  We also have dust allergies to account for.  So we needed a vacuum that was lightweight, powerful enough to remove allergens from the air, and durable enough to go for years being used twice a week in a fully carpeted house.

We found a company called Riccar that builds vacuums in Missouri.  They have a lightweight line that's known for durability and being anti-allergen.  It cost a fair amount, but it could last us decades, and the cost of replacing a cheap vacuum built elsewhere for the lowest possible price certainly adds up after you do it a couple of times.

Not that other countries can't produce premium vacuums, of course, just an example of a premium product built in the US.

[Gin1984]

If you get over the "buy USA" marketing thing you can typically find some very high quality items created at small manufacturers.

Recently we needed a new vacuum because the one we have is too heavy for my wife to haul around with her pain condition.  We also have dust allergies to account for.  So we needed a vacuum that was lightweight, powerful enough to remove allergens from the air, and durable enough to go for years being used twice a week in a fully carpeted house.

We found a company called Riccar that builds vacuums in Missouri.  They have a lightweight line that's known for durability and being anti-allergen.  It cost a fair amount, but it could last us decades, and the cost of replacing a cheap vacuum built elsewhere for the lowest possible price certainly adds up after you do it a couple of times.

Not that other countries can't produce premium vacuums, of course, just an example of a premium product built in the US.

Good to know, thanks!

[ChrisLansing]

Here's the strategy I like to use sometimes.

A.  Buy local or from a locally owned business
B.  Buy a Missouri made product (Beer mostly)
C.  Buy a Midwestern made product
D.  Buy USA

Best strategy is to buy very little or as little as realistic.   I buy used clothes,  used cars,  used houses.  Since I'm a whole food eater most of the food I buy is sourced in the USA or Mexico (a US suburb).

I think I shall start tracking this behavior and see if I can get near 90% (excluding energy) on near my home purchases.

Although sometimes, especially with electronics, it is impossible.

Thanks for the reminder.

I follow the same pattern, except I substitute MI for MO.   

I care very much where something is made.  I don't see "Buy American" as flag waving, or even as patriotic, I see it as a sensible economic policy.  The idea of "buy the best product for the money regardless where it's made" means you have no other concerns than your own well being.   

If Americans are working, they'll buy goods and services, and pay taxes.   If they buy from other Americans we have a stronger economy.    That's why I follow the steps above; Local, State, Regional, US.   

There are other reasons as well.   I found most Chinese made goods to be low quality, so even though the price is low, it's not good value for money.   As soon as you replace something that should have lasted many years, you've lost the "savings" you thought you were getting.   I find made in the USA is usually (not always) much higher quality.    I also find that often the difference in price isn't that great.    Stores like to sell Chinese because they buy the product for a lot less, but they still sell it near the American price - more profit that way.   

I find buying American is more difficult, and therefore I buy less, which is a win for me.   I don't consume as much.   

Some things we have bought this year that are made in the USA;
1. Men's underwear and socks.  (Flint and Tinder)  I find they are lasting much longer than the bargain brand at the store.     
2. A whole house fan, which cuts down on AC use.   (Air King)
3. Electric wall fans, which also cuts down on AC.  (Air King)
4. A humidifier - the kind you put some eucalyptus oil and it opens up your nasal passages.  (Can't recall the brand, made in Ill. )
5. Men's work boots.   On this item I can buy made in MI.  (Woolverine)
6. I don't drink much but when I do it's MI made craft beers, usually Bell's, Founders, or Arcadia.   
* I've found made in MI TV sets, but I'm not in the market for a TV.   

Besides groceries and household supplies that's about all we've purchased since Jan.   

On household goods we try every week to find a way to shift purchases from "foreign" to "American".   This week we've bought toothpaste from Tom's of Main.    (Arm and Hammer is also US made)   I fear for my life/health buying toothpaste made in China - no telling what will be in it. 


I'm ok with buying "foreing" brands made in the USA.   A Honda made in Ohio is better than a Ford made in Mexico.    Generally though, I think the days of buying a Japanese car because it's a "safer" purchase are about over.   If I ever buy another car (God forbid) I would not pay the premium for a Honda because the premium just isn't justified any more.   If there is a next one, it will probably be a Chevy. 

I will not set foot in Walmart, mainly because of how they treat their workforce, but also because most of the wares are just low priced junk.   Throw away products for a throw away society.   

Buying American often does entail buying on line, with the shipping costs and the energy use of the delivery service, whether USPS or UPS or FedEx.   Stores don't like to stock American goods because they can make more profit selling foreign at a slight discount.   I figure I'm saving a trip to the store, so that makes up for the shipping.   

I'd rather buy quality once instead of buy the "bargain" 3 times.     

[libertarian4321]

I generally don't look for "Made in the USA" because it's almost a waste of time.  Seems like 95+% of everything, other than food, is made somewhere else.

However, my wife and I ordered a living room set from Star furniture this weekend, and I was SHOCKED to find out that it was made in the USA.

So I guess we did our part?

[Gin1984]

Here's the strategy I like to use sometimes.

A.  Buy local or from a locally owned business
B.  Buy a Missouri made product (Beer mostly)
C.  Buy a Midwestern made product
D.  Buy USA

Best strategy is to buy very little or as little as realistic.   I buy used clothes,  used cars,  used houses.  Since I'm a whole food eater most of the food I buy is sourced in the USA or Mexico (a US suburb).

I think I shall start tracking this behavior and see if I can get near 90% (excluding energy) on near my home purchases.

Although sometimes, especially with electronics, it is impossible.

Thanks for the reminder.

I follow the same pattern, except I substitute MI for MO.   

I care very much where something is made.  I don't see "Buy American" as flag waving, or even as patriotic, I see it as a sensible economic policy.  The idea of "buy the best product for the money regardless where it's made" means you have no other concerns than your own well being.   

If Americans are working, they'll buy goods and services, and pay taxes.   If they buy from other Americans we have a stronger economy.    That's why I follow the steps above; Local, State, Regional, US.   

There are other reasons as well.   I found most Chinese made goods to be low quality, so even though the price is low, it's not good value for money.   As soon as you replace something that should have lasted many years, you've lost the "savings" you thought you were getting.   I find made in the USA is usually (not always) much higher quality.    I also find that often the difference in price isn't that great.    Stores like to sell Chinese because they buy the product for a lot less, but they still sell it near the American price - more profit that way.   

I find buying American is more difficult, and therefore I buy less, which is a win for me.   I don't consume as much.   

Some things we have bought this year that are made in the USA;
1. Men's underwear and socks.  (Flint and Tinder)  I find they are lasting much longer than the bargain brand at the store.     
2. A whole house fan, which cuts down on AC use.   (Air King)
3. Electric wall fans, which also cuts down on AC.  (Air King)
4. A humidifier - the kind you put some eucalyptus oil and it opens up your nasal passages.  (Can't recall the brand, made in Ill. )
5. Men's work boots.   On this item I can buy made in MI.  (Woolverine)
6. I don't drink much but when I do it's MI made craft beers, usually Bell's, Founders, or Arcadia.   
* I've found made in MI TV sets, but I'm not in the market for a TV.   

Besides groceries and household supplies that's about all we've purchased since Jan.   

On household goods we try every week to find a way to shift purchases from "foreign" to "American".   This week we've bought toothpaste from Tom's of Main.    (Arm and Hammer is also US made)   I fear for my life/health buying toothpaste made in China - no telling what will be in it. 


I'm ok with buying "foreing" brands made in the USA.   A Honda made in Ohio is better than a Ford made in Mexico.    Generally though, I think the days of buying a Japanese car because it's a "safer" purchase are about over.   If I ever buy another car (God forbid) I would not pay the premium for a Honda because the premium just isn't justified any more.   If there is a next one, it will probably be a Chevy. 

I will not set foot in Walmart, mainly because of how they treat their workforce, but also because most of the wares are just low priced junk.   Throw away products for a throw away society.   

Buying American often does entail buying on line, with the shipping costs and the energy use of the delivery service, whether USPS or UPS or FedEx.   Stores don't like to stock American goods because they can make more profit selling foreign at a slight discount.   I figure I'm saving a trip to the store, so that makes up for the shipping.   

I'd rather buy quality once instead of buy the "bargain" 3 times.   

Awesome, thank you for posting about Flint and Tinder, I did not know about them.  My husband will be pleased.

[DollarBill]

Steering cover showed up today. Looks great and I'm totally satisfied. I will use this site again in the future.

[daverobev]

None of this is that simple.

Talk to an industrial/product designer; they will likely tell you that Chinese manufacturers can build to any quality level, and will do so more quickly and efficiently than elsewhere. Yes, they can produce plastic disposable shit, but they do that because people buy it. That stuff should be banned.

"Local"... shipping in a container can be much less bad, environmentally, trucking. See New Zealand lamb; better to ship that across the world than try to raise more in the UK and keep it for the time of year when there is no lamb. Counter-intuitive?

The madness is that something like 90% of the world's garlic is grown in China, when it is very easy to grow yourself.

But if you want to support local, buy at a farmer's market. But then you have the issue of unpaid interns doing a good chunk of the work.

Crazy world. We're so lucky...

[DollarBill]

Seems like some people have used this site and I wonder what will happen if China gets better at customer service then cuts out the middle man (Middle man=The US)?