a little venting is sometimes a good thing....

[SkidSteerSteve]

I think I will find some sympathetics ear on this forum. I'm purposely leaving a lot of the specifics out of this because it's a principal issue, not just a particular supplier. Anyway..... I order a part last week to finish up a project. It was a very key component that would easily affect $100,000 worth of surrounding equipment, not to mention the human factor. Because of this, I searched out a reputable manufacturer (specifically, made in USA) and an adequately speced component. When it arrived, it was an off brand, made in China piece of junk. Do businesses really think that they can get away with this, or is the general populace so clueless, that they actually can. To say the least, it never left my desk. Went right back in the box and returned to sender for refund. Partially my fault, I admit. Ordered something without going to find it in person and deal with a knowledgeable salesperson from a local supplier....but still, principal.

SSS

[dabar39]

I hate to say it but that is the growing trend. These companies charge high dollar amounts for supposed quality and you get low dollar Chinese junk in its place. Just think it's only gonna get worse in the future unless we do something about it now. My question is how do we fight big business and the government at the same time to stop this nonsense. Dave

[Winger Ed.]

My question is how do we fight big business and the government at the same time to stop this nonsense. Dave

The only thing I know to do is not buy the Chinese trash if there is any way possible to avoid it.

The other thing is elect politicians that are willing to roll back some of the regulations that make it so hard and so expensive to produce things here.

.

[handirod]

Even if its something small or big, do exactly what Steve did, DON’T buy it!!! Granted, sometimes we have no choice due to deadlines, in a "bind" or items needed for work, but we can at least try. Thanks Steve!

[srl_welder]

it's amazing how much stuff isn't made here in the states, everything! tools, clothes, even food! it's all the owners of the companies wanting to make huge profit by outsourcing. it would be nice to see more products with made in U.S.A.

[pepi]

Very timely, I just ordered a flowmeter/guage regulator and was considering smiths vs. victor. The company noted in the specs that the victor was USA made and that the other was china........... Well I told the sales person that I wanted the US product and made them listen to me that my decision on the product was based on the country it was made in. Got an oh hum kind of responses but I did get to tell them and they had to listen, the old golden rule applied and at that moment I had the gold. I do this all the time and will walk away from a product NO matter what the price is. I will never be rich but I sure can support the companies that pay the American worker, I find USA products are engineered the best and I understand the engineering, most American products are repairable.......................... and I like that. New and improved.............. cheaper, does not last as long. Well done, glad to see others are becoming aware and making these types of decisions, it is the only way to throw a bomb at these clowns. We have the gold and they want it make them work for it …. I say………. Rant over.

[tacmig]

Only in America..

This is a huge issue in which everyone has an opinion. My research shows that companies are unable to survive our city, state and Federal regulations on taxes, fees, employment, environment, and many other detriments imposed on companies trying to make a buck. It is true however, that many companies simply take advantage of cheap labor and lack of regulations to maximize their already inflated profits. However, the later is a small percentage compared to struggling manufactures trying to make head-way in our over regulated and over taxed system. The problem is 2 fold as revenues (tax based) are lost to over-sea companies American companies are pressed harder for addition fees to cover those losses. In my opinion Government run programs and proposed government programs such as universal health care are going to soak us right out of business and leave us at the mercy of those over-sea companies and devalue the dollar to where we no longer have an economic advantage to any other country. We will be the ones begging for hand-outs from China, Japan and any other country that is business friendly.

TacMig

[Steve]

They make great fireworks.

[FusionKing]

Actually we had several duds this year and quite a few were sold to us as great displays for a pretty high price and really sucked for the money. We usually spend anywhere from $500-1000 every year but lately we have been looking at cutting back. I wish for better USA made fireworks...maybe reloadable ones?? With a warranty also.

[dabar39]

SkidSteerSteve

It's kinda funny you brought this topic up when you did. This link is from a relatively small town just to the north of me here in Fl.

Now we just need to get the rest of the country to follow suit. Dave

http://www.local6.com/news/14270644/detail.html

[SignWave]

IKEA means swedish for "crap"

I'll put my two cents in... Anyone familiar with IKEA? Why is everything or nearly everything in the store made in china? I thought it was a swedish company? Hmmm... I went in there one day about amonth ago and as i was looking around I picked up an item and then another and another. All were made in China. I voiced my displeasure to my ladyfriend and she smirked. The woman next to me just gave me a dirty look. Truth hurts they say. I had a choice the other day. I bought a pneumatic body file. I had the opportunity to buy the M.I.C. "Power Fist" model @ $79.95 (on sale) Or the $300 dollar Hutchins tool. I chose the the Hutchins for the simple fact that if it breaks, needs parts, or i just need info on it, I will get it without the associated "who cares just use it till it breaks and get a new one attitude". anyway, I always look at the label. I am more frustrated than not... Who are these "sell outs"?
They will never get rich from the purchases I make.

[Bert]

Everything Made In China!!!!

My friends just adopted a baby girl from China. Told this to another friend. He said "Yeesh", EVERYTHING IS MADE IN CHINA NOW!!!"

[fun4now]

i was reading the recall on the painted toys just yesterday. but we keep getting the stuff made there.

should be interesting to see how long it is before that town gets a tax increase to pay for the now no import stance, then lets see who votes witch way. too many people with the $ to make a choice don't, the ones that have to shop by the $ have no choice. but there are plenty that have a choice and chose to save the $ instead of supporting the U.S. worker. i think its just going to keep getting worse till we crash and burn. suppose that will be about 2012 at the end of the world party. that will be when we no longer have the $ to keep all the nukes under control.
tuff subject, but good to see some are still trying to fight back.

[harcosparky]

It's an interesting thought.

We buy American whenever we can, without concern too much for cost.

On two other thoughts .....

The only thing I know to do is not buy the Chinese trash if there is any way possible to avoid it.

The other thing is elect politicians that are willing to roll back some of the regulations that make it so hard and so expensive to produce things here.

.

I have talked about this with many individuals, including some politicians. Change is needed, and rapidly. One politician even said .. " we do not have the time to wait for a half dozen election cycles where we change a few senators at a time. " Sounded almost like he was calling for some sort of revolution. " immediate change without waiting for elections? "

It's nice to say " stop buying Chinese goods ", however everyday that gets harder and harder to do.

On the topic of Chinese making junk

That same thought was once had about stuff " Made In Japan ". Of course when America was being flooded with " Made In Japan " junk we did not have the rules and regulations we have today governing manufacturing.

The truth is that the Chinese have the ability to manufacture high quality materials.

The sad reality is that the consumer will never see them, unless the consumer is another nation purchasing military hardware from China. Don't ask how I know this!

I think perhaps all the RECALLS of Chinese made products may wake some people up to the reality. Let's hope so.

[SignWave]

Made In Usa.... Usa, Japan

Thats right, if you dont believe me just google it... Usa Japan. It was at one time and perhaps still is a ruse to make you think that you were(are) buying american.