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  • False! Why Overseas Products Aren’t Always Cheaper

    False! Why Overseas Products Aren’t Always Cheaper

    Buying cheap items is easy. Every store or stand is overloaded with ridiculously cheap foreign products. We understand why there are such prices, of course,  rapid offshore production and massive amounts unthinkingly force the cost down. This incredible multitude of goods means that, as always, there are people who hope to take advantage of the consumers. With millions of products manufactured overseas, it has become harder to distinguish good products from those that are just expensive.

    However, quality matters because it will save you from buying a new one in the coming years. Products created using traditional techniques are perfect examples here. Some slogans express the same idea: if you become lazy and spend very little, you will end up spending more at the end. This is the case of products that are made some years ago by craft people, but today is almost entirely produced in mass.

    To do this requires more thought than you might think. It’s easy to get caught up in purchasing the so-called cheapest products (overseas products),  as long as you keep “saving money” in your mind. Regrettably, buying cheap can result in spending more in the long run, whether it’s in the form of maintenance or replacement costs when you may be required to repurchase the same cheap product over again. This is the time when it’s reasonable to spend a bit more money and free yourself from running into unnecessary costs if you really want to save money and invest in quality.

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    Think of something like leather, for example. You can frequent any shopping mall around and stumble over several leather products form overseas. Most of these overseas products will not be real leather, and many of them will not be formed with the concept of real quality. You need a real, leather gear for that. There are two important factors to consider when making a purchase decision: whether you are buying a pair of jeans or a set of electronic products: Cost and quality. It could be easy to cut corners where you think it’s an unimportant purchase and go only for the price or blow out your budget on quality because you think you should.

    The problem we face as a consumer every time we make a purchase is bigger than a dollar saved, or how easy it is to find. With a little effort, and sometimes, spending a bit more, you can have an impact on the country you call home and the world in which you live in. Most of these products have at least one company where it is manufactured in the United States. Do some research and buy American. Your dollars will buy more than a good material, and will also affect the world around you. Therefore, as you head to the store, think about precisely what you want to purchase – cheaper overseas products with a superficial background or a quality product from America. Then, choose American made -it’s worth it!

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  • The Hidden Social Costs Of Buying Overseas Products

    The Hidden Social Costs Of Buying Overseas Products

    Although, this article intends to deal with the hidden social costs of buying overseas products, in the quest to encourage American consumers to buy American made products, it is also important to note that it is quite impossible for the consumers to buy American made products if the manufacturers themselves are going overseas for production.

    Hence, this article would emphasize more on manufacturers going overseas to manufacture products.

    Effects Of Manufacturing Overseas

    American manufacturers declare that going overseas is their only option if they are to remain competitive against foreign business competitors. It’s either overseas production or no production at all. As powerful as this matter in hand appears to be, it doesn’t hold up well in light of various basic facts.

    To start with, a growing number of U.S organizations are responding to the import threat by bettering their competitive position at home. They really are very much convinced that setting up long-term competitive advantage involves a dedication to a different way of carrying out business—not just a shortsighted attack on labor overhead.

    Overseas production is not the only alternative designed for organizations under competitive siege. It is indeed, an awful alternative for many organizations. Managers should be aware that overseas production is not all roses and labor cost savings. Before they make the move, they need to possess a better image of where they’re going. They need to realize that there are a number of powerful factors not to go overseas.

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    It is accepted that organizations can often reduce costs on labor and materials by buying or producing overseas, but some other costs, some not so glaring, may possibly offset the profits. Overseas production in most cases requires larger inventories, for instance, and also, increased managerial costs. Products made overseas are much less likely to meet up with specifications; as a result, good quality costs could be much higher, such as increased transportation costs and tariffs and don’t leave behind the cost of training foreign workers also.

    It takes a longer period of time to get products from an overseas location; therefore companies operating overseas are slower to react to changing market demands, which as well has its price. In 1984, several big U.S retailers were stranded with large inventories of imported products they had placed an order for the year before when a slowdown in consumer spending was nowhere in view.

    All these expenses seem apparent but companies seldom take them into consideration when coming up with the overseas production decision. Based on a study commissioned by the National Tooling and Machining Association, American tool and die manufacturers usually disregard these “hidden” costs of overseas production. Yet based on the study, these costs typically add 5% to 15% to the overseas vendors’ offer price for shipping and delivery, 3% for extra documents and communications, 5% to 10% for additional stock and up to as high as 35% for unforeseeable modifications.

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    Some other costs are much less direct; shifting several production operations overseas may prevent the organization from taking advantage of economies of scale at home and even overseas. The effects can be extremely devastating in the course of a recession. Going overseas may also result in under-utilization of existing production capacity and eventually, plant closings and layoffs.

    Ultimately, organizations that move outside the United States could lose important customers who may move to some other U.S based suppliers. Italian chip manufacturer, Dynamit Nobel Silicon is among the overseas manufacturers that established a factory in the U.S to be nearer to its American customers. The managing director explained the decision by declaring that “the distance between Italy and California is such that people would not like to enjoy any more than 10% of their demands from us.”

    Conclusion

    Offshore manufacturers should take the above points into consideration and invest in the U.S. That way, American consumers would have difficulty in buying overseas products and would be left with no other choice than to buy the American made products which will consequently help to build and maintain a stable, growth-oriented American workforce and economy.

  • Here’s why American made products last longer (and cost you less in the long run)

    Here’s why American made products last longer (and cost you less in the long run)

    Most Americans given a choice between foreign made products and similar ones made in the USA would rather buy the American made products. This is because we could always trust and have confidence in them.  There is also a natural need to value the products made in your country no matter what country you are from.

    In order to achieve a continued economic recovery, the US requires a consumer-oriented commitment to buying made in American products. It is possible for industrial development in America to top the box in the rescue of the economy.

    This new orientation will not only sustain American manufacturing jobs but also expand overwhelmingly the employment sector bringing about massive reduction to unemployment, help American businesses stay in business, and further increase greatly the tax base to take care of our natural benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.

    Americans should buy American made products because these products not only last longer but will also cost you less in the long run. Products made in America are well-made, high in safety standards and, more often than not, more reliable. The top notch quality and safety control system obtainable in the US is second to none.

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    While it is true that we all have a need for some foreign made goods such as, computer chips, electronics, or fashion because of the availability and relatively fair prices, there are several other goods which are simply badly constructed. A number of these substandard products are made with only one intention in mind and that is price – a low price to beat the competition.

    It is so pathetic that cheap products are delivered without ever paying attention to the details, quality, and finesse. On the other hand, if you pick up a particular foreign made product which has a Made-in-America alternative with a 20% higher rate, you’d find out that the latter would outlive the former in greater proportions. That saves everyone money in the long run.

    A good example is vending machines. An American manufactured vending machine has components that are made with metal parts, which ought to add longevity to the machines life. This is not so with its foreign counterpart which has components of plastic parts and it is a fact that plastic parts do break down after a while. In the long run, you could spend more money on frequent servicing of the machine.

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    When you have a choice, it is safer and more economical to buy American. There is no better time than today to start. Refusal to buy American made products will not only cost you more in the long run but to a large extent contribute to economic problems which affect everyone.

    If you desire quality goods for your home, office, or leisure; if you long for a decrease in layoffs or want to help stop it from happening, buy American made products. It will surely last longer and cost you less. It will also help keep the companies operating, and in the long run, help keep the economy strong. And when the economy is strong and stable, everyone benefits.

    Can you think of other reasons to be buying American made products?

  • 3 Ways Buying American Products Can Help The Environment

    3 Ways Buying American Products Can Help The Environment

    The next time you find yourself walking through the aisles of your favorite local supermarket or retail store, consider picking up a few items just to determine whether they were made in the United States or in another foreign country. In all likelihood, you will find that many of the items you investigate were made in other nations than our own, which begs the question “How did they all get here?” These products were most assuredly wrapped in several forms of packaging in order to be well insulated during their trip to America, and they were likely placed on various forms of transportation just to get from one point of origin to the next. These two considerations on the environmental impact of foreign purchases combined with the fact that many foreign countries do not regulate production like the United States are three major talking points every environment loving American needs to consider when deciding to buy American.

    When we ship products overseas to various factories for assembly, we are required to use numerous layers of protective casings to ensure they are well protected on their travels. These layers include plastic bags, layers of Styrofoam, packing “peanuts”, and other materials. Obviously, after the packing and transportation of these products have occurred, these materials have to go somewhere. Most will end up in landfills! Therefore, the less traveling a product does, the less packaging it consumes and is therefore better for the environment.

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    The next step a product takes while traveling from one location to another involves being placed in some form of transport, whether that be a car, train, plane or automobile. If this product was not designed in the United States, the likelihood it will travel using many of these transportation systems increases exponentially. Ultimately, the fuel and other chemical offshoots from this travel impact the environment in a negative manner. So, the next time you purchase a product made in America, rest easy knowing that the product you’re purchasing will not travel nearly as far and will therefore make less of an impact on the environment.

    Lastly, one must consider the regulations that other countries ignore or take shortcuts around in order to meet increasing production demands from the United States. As has been mentioned in other articles, when ownership is not given over a product, those working on said product are oftentimes less invested in its success. Therefore, shortcuts happen and these shortcuts often impact the environment due to the fact that many individuals view our environment as less important.

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    As you can see from our discussion above, making the choice to buy American made products can positively impact the environment not only in our own country but in those of others. Our dedication to buying American will ultimately pay off when we see fewer packing products in landfills, carbon emissions reduced, and foreign countries bulking up health and safety precautions. All this can occur simply by buying American made products! GO U.S.!

    What do you think are the biggest benefits of buying American?

  • The Biggest Benefits Of Buying American

    The Biggest Benefits Of Buying American

    Buying American products is a fantastic idea and sounds very patriotic. However, what is the reason for purchasing products made in the USA? This write-up will give you an insight about the advantages of buying American products. The biggest benefits of buying American products are as follows;

    1. HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR PRODUCTION:

    The environment used in manufacturing merchandise in the United States of America has a track record of safety. It has a comparative advantage over most countries regarding safety, and American made products are known to keep the environment cleaner and safer for human existence. Research has shown that most companies abroad do not follow strict safety guidelines and this makes their production process a dangerous one.

    2. FAVORABLE LABOR LAWS:

    When you buy American products from our manufacturers, you are also supporting good working conditions for the average American worker, and ensuring that child labor laws are enforced. When choosing American made products, you are also supporting a fair day’s wage for an honest day’s work. Most countries do not have a minimum wage law, and this provides a platform where workers are not given fair treatment.

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    3. ROBUST ECONOMY:

    A robust economy is of of the biggest benefits of buying American. Buying goods made in the United States of America has enormous advantages as it boosts the economy. If we do not outsource jobs that are meant for our manufacturers in the economy to other countries, we will be investing in America as a whole. The outsourcing of jobs to other nations has proved to have an adverse impact on our economy as it reduces the employment opportunities in America. When we give out these jobs to other countries, we are indirectly supporting their economy, but if we patronize our producers and give them our full backing, the economy of America will be stronger and more buoyant.

    4. INDEPENDENCE OF THE AMERICAN MARKET:

    The lack of manufacturing in the US is not a wise strategy. Ensure you consume American made products. Doing this will make the American market grow more independent. Several factories and large sums of capital have been moved to nations that are not in alliance with the United States of America. When you choose American made products, you help to ensure that any political conflicts do not obstruct our access to goods and outputs.

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    5. QUALITY SAFETY STANDARDS:

    Experience has shown that many products from foreign countries lack safety standards. The presence of strict safety measures and consumer protection laws in the United States of America are there to compel our manufacturers to make products that are safe for human consumption. Buying these quality products will give you an assurance that you are purchasing the right products that have a warranty. Use of quality products will safeguard your life and the lives of your loved ones.

    Most of us have heard this argument in our parlance. Buy local, so the money stays local. It is true, even at the national level. When companies stay in the United States, they hire U.S. employees. When U.S. workers are employed they can spend the money they earn, in turn paying sales tax on much of that spending; are not utilizing public assistance and paying taxes on their earnings. When companies stay in the United States, they pay taxes on their income to the U.S. government. Companies invest their money in U.S. banks, making our economy stronger.

    When companies outsource,

    (1) those employed are outside of the United States, and their income taxes (if any) do not get paid to the United States of America.

    (2) The company, utilizing tax shelters, does not pay taxes or at the very least their fair share of taxes, to the Government of United States.

    (3) Funds earned are typically invested in off-shore accounts, thus not adding value to the U.S. economy.

    What do you think are the biggest benefits of buying American?

  • 2 Ways Overseas Products Can Harm Your Health

    2 Ways Overseas Products Can Harm Your Health

    In the economic environment, present within the United States, outsourcing our goods and services to foreign nations for completion is extremely common place while simultaneously controversial to millions of Americans. The controversy lies not in the outsourcing itself but in how that outsourcing has the potential to negatively impact the health of our fellow countrymen and women. This article seeks to shed light on just a couple of ways overseas products can harm your health.

    In order to truly understand how outsourcing impacts our health as a nation, we must first recall that outsourcing was initially utilized to maneuver around the strict demands of unions while taking advantage of the low-cost labor that existed in abundance in other nations. This mindset, still in use by many companies today, should be the first indicator that your health as a consumer is not always considered a priority when trade deals are made.

    Oftentimes, outsourcing leads to an overall decrease in standards that would not have existed if a company would have kept their goods and services inside our borders. When companies seek to outsource the processes or products they could easily perform or produce within the United States, they are opening themselves up to the possibility of their very own standards being diminished. Consider the fact that the psychology of owning a product or process for ourselves means that we are more inclined to care for it.

    Therefore, when goods or services are outsourced, we can infer that the standards they are held to are less likely to be maintained and more likely to impact our health.

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    If we take this a step further and speak about outsourcing from a purely economic standpoint, we will see how other countries may be inclined to take shortcuts we as American consumers would not be very satisfied with and that could ultimately impact our health. When a company determines that they will move forward with outsourcing a current American made product, they must consider the value of the American dollar to the value of the currency the country they are trading with utilizes.

    When additional import and export taxes as well as fluctuating currency values are taken into account, foreign companies become more inclined to seek ways they can keep costs low. While some foreign companies will remain ethical and seek support from entities that maintain the consistency of their host company’s products, others will not be so inclined. This ultimately leads to one of the ways overseas products can harm your health.

    Through our exploration of the ways in which outsourcing has negatively impacted the lives of your fellow citizens, we hope you have learned that buying American simply ensures that appropriate health and safety measures have been taken to protect consumers. When Americans purchase goods and services from within our borders, we provide the opportunity for regulation put in place by those who know us best, fellow Americans. So, the next time you choose to buy American, know that you are also selecting to support the health of our great nation!

    Can you think of ways overseas products can harm your health?

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  • 5 Reasons Buying American Helps Communities

    5 Reasons Buying American Helps Communities

    Reasons Buying American Helps Communities

    People love to get products fast, and as cheap as possible. This has led to an unbalanced economy that depends on cheap, borderline slave labor from over seas. But, cheaper rarely means better. Quality takes time, passion, and personal dedication to the manufacturing process. This is just one of the reasons why, no matter what your political affiliation might be, buying American is great for you and your community.

    Here are five reasons buying American helps communities.

    Higher Quality

    You want a product that is connected to the hands that created it. Instead of purchasing something dirt cheap that was drop shipped from a Chinese manufacture, American products are created with a great deal of pride. “American Made” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life; its part of a long tradition of making products that last for years, and are crafted with passion. Small business owners take the time needed to craft products they can be proud of. Sure, it might cost a little more, and take a little more time to get, but the value is well worth it!

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    Raise the GDP

    You don’t need a degree in economics to know that buying American made products will increase the amount of money recirculated in the economy and the value of the goods that are created. Buying American made products pumps money into the system, and creates a cycle of economical growth that feeds on itself. Instead of giving away your money to foreign communities, invest right here at home, and see our GDP grow.

    Job Growth

    The more money American based companies make, the more jobs they can create. You depend on high paying jobs to keep food on the table and a roof over your head, not to mention life’s creature comforts. Its why buying American is so important. Every time you buy an American made product, you send a message to companies: keep your jobs here and I’ll buy your products! This in turn creates strong, safe, and happy communities.

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    Lower Domestic Violence

    Its been shown that poverty and domestic violence go hand in hand. Stress builds up as the bills pile on. Stress leads to bitterness, drug and alcohol abuse, which often leads to violence. When you buy American, you’re helping to reduce poverty, hence strengthening families and communities. Not only does it lower violence, but theft goes down as well. It’s a win for everyone when you buy American.

    Strengthen the Middle Class

    When you purchase American made products you’re helping to create a strong and vibrant economy. The back bone of liberty is a rich, and expanding middle class. When the middle class breaks down, and a vast gap opens up between those with a lot vs those that have next to nothing, bad things happen. Its what revolutions are made of. And revolution is rarely a good thing. By keeping money in America, you help to lift those that are in poverty up to the middle class, hence guaranteeing national peace and prosperity.

    Can you think of other reasons buying American helps communities?

  • Buy American to Have the Best of the Best

    Buy American to Have the Best of the Best

    American Manufacturing Is Rebounding

    While most of our global society knows that American craftsmen are unmatched by few groups in the world. The “glow” continues to wear off on the rush to have foreign workers make products cheaper than US craftsmen, since although cheaper to buy, many foreign products come with questionable quality.

    American manufacturing, long a staple of the US economy since World War II, has not played a critical role in the domestic economic health for the past three decades. But things appear to be changing (finally). Supported by consumers craving quality; the phrase “made in America/USA” is making a renaissance-like comeback.

    The growing resurgence of American manufacturing is long overdue. It appears that local manufacturing has impacted the growth of manufacturing in the nation. Smaller manufacturing companies have made a greater impact than huge multi-national mega corporations on the rebound of manufacturing. In past decades, the large steel conglomerates and the domestic auto industry led the way to the predominance of American manufacturing on the world stage.

    Now, it is smaller manufacturing organizations that are a major player in this domestic economic resurgence. While these companies are smaller, they are making the largest impact on the return of the mantra, “made in America with pride.”

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    Local Manufacturing Companies Dominate

    The future of the “Buy Americanrenaissance may be fueled by local manufacturing firms. Many expert observers agree. While former industry giants of manufacturing, such as steel and shipbuilding (can you say, “rust belt”), continue to struggle, smaller local manufacturing companies now stretch from coast-to-coast in the US.

    For example, Edward Field, based in San Francisco, made the hard decision to produce products in America. Founded by an entrepreneur, Teddy Winthrop, Edward Field not only manufactures its products, but controls its distribution channels, selling directly to consumers.

    As founder and CEO Winthrop says, Edward Field, is “an American accessories company.” Formerly working with his brother at American Giant, Winthrop had input into American Giant’s original single product, “the best hoodie ever made.” Edward Field focused on making a quality phone wallet. Winthrop states, ”I wanted to keep track of my two most valuable items, my phone and my wallet. I combined both items because I felt it was easier to keep track of one item, instead of two.”

    Winthrop focused on manufacturing American made products and creating new jobs in the US. This was not boundless patriotism, but features sensibility. Logically, it made great sense to make these products locally, close to home.

    Many local manufacturing firms agree with the mission of Edward Field. Its CEO keeps it simple. By making our own products and direct selling to consumers, “we eliminate most of the distribution costs and large marketing budgets,” which typically are necessary with overseas manufacturing efforts.

    The Internet Allows Smaller Firms to Access Global Markets

    The ‘Net has made it easier to shop online and permits small local companies to operate as large multi-national companies formerly did. Even Internet marketing campaigns are more cost-effective than typical prime-time TV ads. Instead of mega cost 20 to 30 second TV ads, the 24/7/365 nature of the Internet can make money even while you’re sleeping.

    If you have a good American manufacturing idea, the only problem you face is keeping your facility active for one, two, or three shifts. Is it possible that local “American made” products will be the foundation of a strong American economy once again?

  • The Impact Of Buying American

    The Impact Of Buying American

    When this sentence reaches its’ natural conclusion, consider taking a moment to reflect upon the environment in which you currently find yourself. Whether it is your personal bedroom, workplace, or even on the road, the origin of many of the products around you is questionable at best. The reason for this uncertainty stems from the fact that the United States economy is heavily supported by the import of foreign goods and services that often do not require Country of Origin labels. While these goods and services can be of the highest quality they often don’t stack up to similar goods made here in America. You may be asking yourself why that is? The answer is multifaceted but this article will seek to explain the differences between American perceptions towards the quality associated with domestic vs. foreign goods.

    According to the Consumer Reports National Research Center, if Americans were afforded the opportunity to select between a product made in the United States and an identical product made in countries outside of the US, approximately 78 percent of Americans would purchase the product made in America. That is over 250 million people or 6 times the size of California. With that many Americans being in favor of buying American made products, one could safely assume that an America where a greater number of products were made domestically, would be more self-sufficient than it is today.

    The next question you might ask yourself would be how a “Buy American” approach might impact the domestic marketplace. Consider the fact that numerous polls indicate that approximately 60 percent of their respondents would happily pay an increased fee (roughly 10%) on goods manufactured in the United States. This is due, in part, to the overwhelming sense of patriotism associated with the “Buy American” mentality. American consumers are inspired by the fact that they have an opportunity to assist their countrymen, increase job opportunities, and support local business. The gains to our economy wouldn’t end there however, as a recent poll conducted by the Boston Consulting Group indicates that more than half of Chinese consumers would rather “Buy American” than buy Chinese. That speaks highly to the quality of an American made product.

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    In addition to the obvious boost to the economy, “Buying American” will also help the rest of the world. It will decrease child labor in foreign countries that often provide subpar working conditions. Thus allowing for these children to grow up with less physical handicaps later in life. Additionally, it would send a message to foreign countries about the value Americans place on human lives, which would in turn cause other countries to reconsider how they treat their people if they would like our business back.

    As this article concludes, you are urged to continue to discover the origins of items in your environment. Investigate their tags, barcode labels, and more. Be curious about where they originated and be inquisitive as to whether there are American made alternatives. If there are not, do not beat yourself up. Know that “Buying American” is a gradual process that takes each of us working in tandem to achieve!

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  • Why Aren’t We Buying American?

    Why Aren’t We Buying American?

    Research conducted over the course of the past year or so has revealed a frustrating statistic: more people are paying much more attention to the price than any labeling indicating that a product is Made in America. For those of us who are trying to revive American manufacturing, this statistic is more infuriating than most. How are we going to be able to get the average person interested and actively engaged in manufacturing?

    Part of the problem, of course, is that the average person is too far removed from the process to feel like their individual contribution is actually assisting the American manufacturing industry. After all, they don’t interact on a daily basis with manufacturers. They don’t see their fellow Americans returning to manufacturing jobs. In fact, most Americans cannot tell you three facts about American Manufacturing period.

    So how do we fix this?

    Changing the face of manufacturing is the first way we’re going to bring the idea of American manufacturing home to people. To do this is going to take a lot of effort on everyone’s parts in order to educate people about what American manufacturing looks like.

    • Through targeted campaigns or ads: There are many organizations throughout the United States that are supporters of American manufacturing. They spend quite a bit of time and money getting the word out to their fellow manufacturers and lawmakers about manufacturing problems. If they regulated some of the funds spent on advertising to market to lay people on the modern face of manufacturing, people might be more apt to recognize the faces as their neighbors and friends, rather than strangers.
    • Education at the school-age level: We’ve touched upon this need in other articles but technical education in schools needs to become a priority as we move into more technical levels of manufacturing. It seems bizarre that something so fundamental is pushed aside in favor of more band lessons, drama lessons, and the like. Most four-year schools don’t even include a technical education component in their curriculum. One or two classes would not disrupt any pre-college coursework and it may encourage students to pursue avenues in manufacturing that will aid in the recovery of an industry.
    • Having representatives from local manufacturers put in public appearances: This one seems like a no-brainer but a lot of people fail to recognize American manufacturers because they aren’t a very visible part of our everyday lives. Manufacturing can be a very isolating business, with majority of work conducted on premise and many hands exchanging and moving from place to place before it gets to the consumer. By sending out representatives to public events in their home towns, they will become a familiar image in public minds.

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    Along with visibility, American manufacturing needs to create a demand for its product. Easier said than done, right? I’m not talking in economic terms. Since the last presidential election, large corporate companies like Toys-R-Us have reported no increase in the demand for American-Made products and that is not great incentive to switch to more American-Made manufacturers. So long as people believe that they are only one voice, they will fail to speak out in any significant way. The circulation of petitions, whether online or in-store, would allow for more companies to see that their customers demands, without it being too difficult on the customer to show their support.

    In addition, stores would do well to allow the selection via a click-survey on their website to further demonstrate the desire for American products. At least allowing their customers the option of making their wishes known would allow them to look more patriotic, something that many corporations strive for. In a recent poll, it showed that 3 out of 4 Americans believed; buying USA made merchandise is more patriotic. Furthermore, The BCG survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. shoppers said they were willing to pay a 10% to 60% premium for items ranging from appliances to baby food if they were made domestically.

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    The one thing that we, unfortunately, have very little control over is, of course, price. In tough economic times, it only makes sense that more people are looking toward the price of products more than branding. Fixing this problem is something that manufacturers have been worrying over since the 1990s when the decline in American manufacturing began its rapid descent. A lot of this can be handled with modifications of treaties via congressional encouragement, but trying to make congress make any impactful decision concerning economic impacts seems to be a difficult task.

    That being said, it is possible to more closely match competitor pricing through the ever-growing creative manufacturing products as well as increase visibility of the American made labeling system by enabling consumers to simply glance at a product and know it was manufactured right here in the USA. As new innovations and product labelling systems evolve, it is possible to counterbalance higher end-product pricing.

    The more American products that find themselves onto retail shelves, the more matters of price and labeling can go by the wayside. It’s a possible but it’s going to take time. Every contribution is pushing us toward a stronger American manufacturing industry. The question remains if those with the power to do so are going to help the American public understand and take action against the industry killers that are currently plaguing the current system.

    Do you have a suggestion or comment about our list? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page.