General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Would you buy a $22 American made shovel when an $8 China made one is available? [View all]laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Until people realize it's American greedy corporate policies that cause the loss of American jobs not, 'the Chinese' they will continue to be duped by said companies.
For instance - that $8 shovel may suck, but that $22 American-made shovel probably should really cost only about $15, the company is likely taking that extra profit because when they are doing their pricing/cost analysis, they find that people will pay THAT much more for American made, that is the price the market will bear, so they will charge that, even if the shovel is not worth THAT much. People often pay a premium because they ASSUME that American made means higher quality and that the price will be worth it. Companies take advantage of that.
That said, I find a lot of chinese stuff at Walmart WAY overpriced. However, Walmart has a great return policy so whenever something breaks, I bring it back. Over and over again if need be. Usually sooner or later I get one that lasts, lol, or I end up with store credit. I've also tried the 'buy more expensive American/Canadian made' stuff and haven't always had great luck. As mentioned - it depends on how it is made to order. The specs matter. For instance, when my kids were little, I bought them Roots clothing that was made in Canada (it no longer is, I believe, but it WAS back then) or Please mum (also made in Canada at the time). I was always disappointed for the price paid, the clothes had many flaws. Then I discovered Gymboree - almost all of it is made overseas. That stuff doesn't normally have ripped seams, or shirts that stretch out of shape and IF there IS a defect, they have no issues taking things back. Plus, when my kid outgrows it, I can sell it on eBay, so in the end my cost for clothing for my kids is the same as if I bought it at Walmart. In that case - the overseas stuff was better quality - because that's how it had been ordered.
*IF* aforementioned $22 shovel was of superior quality and workmanship, made by a company with a great reputation for taking care of their workers (and not just paying their American workers CRAP so they can say their shovel is made in the USA) and had a great warranty/guarantee, then YES I'd pay more for it.
Generally that isn't the choice. Usually, the only difference is the 'made in the USA' sticker and the price, in which case it isn't always worth it.
I take it on a case by case basis.