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Author, direct marketing guru, and always entertaining Denny Hatch focuses on a major story in the news and shows how businesses can take advantage of–or avoid the pitfalls from–the lessons to be learned in terms of marketing, sales, PR and communications.
Nov 18, 2008
: Vol. 4, Issue No. 64
A Web Site I'd Like to See
With 10.1 million unemployed in the U.S., why buy from China?
IN THE NEWS
Denny Hatch Googled "catalog" and these sponsored links popped up:
SkyMall online catalog
Search hundreds of SkyMall products online. Official site. Shop now www.SkyMall.com
Newport News
Runway-inspired fashions for less. Shop our 2008 styles and trends. www.Newport-News.com
Signals Mail Order Catalog
Fun & Great Gifts for All Occasions Your One-Stop Holiday Gift Store www.signals.com
Crate & Barrel Furniture
Find Contemporary Furniture for Your Home Online at Crate & Barrel! www.CrateandBarrel.com
—Nov. 11, 2008
SkyMall online catalog
Search hundreds of SkyMall products online. Official site. Shop now www.SkyMall.com
Newport News
Runway-inspired fashions for less. Shop our 2008 styles and trends. www.Newport-News.com
Signals Mail Order Catalog
Fun & Great Gifts for All Occasions Your One-Stop Holiday Gift Store www.signals.com
Crate & Barrel Furniture
Find Contemporary Furniture for Your Home Online at Crate & Barrel! www.CrateandBarrel.com
—Nov. 11, 2008
The RN number was nowhere in the Bean catalog—just on the label in the actual trousers.
If this Web site I'm proposing were to go live, I think the RN numbers should be there along with the country of origin listings on each SKU.
Would catalogs that offer imports be willing to list the RN numbers of every SKU? I doubt it. That means only all-American catalogs would be partners in this venture.
Any system that aids Americans in shopping American is a good thing.
Even if all the allegations are false, I now believe that dealing with L.L. Bean is un-American because it hid from me the fact that these chinos were either manufactured in a rogue nation or in a rogue factory.
See the hyperlink below for correspondence regarding the L.L. Bean allegations.
Takeaway Points to Consider
- "Two rules, and two rules only, exist in direct marketing. Rule No. 1: Test Everything. Rule No. 2: See Rule No.1."
—Malcolm Decker - My bet is that more than one catalog has tested putting the country of origin on every SKU, and it bombed.
- That said, remember the old J. Peterman catalog with copy by Donald Staley that read like a series of short-short stories out of The New Yorker. These were minitravelogs that described Peterman's adventures in foreign lands where he found some marvelous item that was being imported and offered on an exclusive basis.
- In other words, Peterman/Staley turned the foreign provenance into a benefit—a unique selling proposition. Peterman created mystique.
- NOTE: Peterman spent the last three years of his first run chasing money rather than chasing great merchandise. He went out of business because his VCs wanted big returns and he ran out of cash trying to open 50 retail stores concurrently. John O'Hurley, who played Peterman on "Seinfeld," is a major investor in the current Peterman redux. But that's another story.
- I could imagine a lot of traffic on this new Web site from consumers who care where their merchandise comes from, rather than being forced to buy pigs in a poke.
- Quite simply, if I were buying by mail, I'd go to this site first and search for American-made products, because I care about America—our economy and our future. I'd be able to compare merchandise and prices and make an informed decision that would satisfy my social—as well as my pocketbook—concerns.
- As a rentable co-op database, it would have a fascinating new dimension about customer behavior.
Web Sites Related to Today's Edition
L.L. Bean—Free $10 gift card with purchase of $50 or more
http://www.llbean.com
SkyMall online catalog—Search hundreds of SkyMall products online
http://www.SkyMall.com
Newport News—Runway-inspired fashions for less
http://www.Newport-News.com
Signals mail order catalog—Fun & great gifts for all occasions
http://www.Signals.com
Crate & Barrel Furniture—find contemporary furniture for your home
http://www.CrateandBarrel.com
J. Peterman—uncommonly good men's and women's clothing, accessories, home and one-of-a-kind items from around the world.
http://jpeterman.com
Garnet Hill—Original designs in clothing and home décor
http://www.garnethill.com
Human rights allegations against L.L. Bean
http://www.nlcnet.org/article.php?id=58
Click on images to enlarge
Thank you . Your comment is being reviewed.
Post a comment about 'A Web Site I'd Like to See'.
Denny, I am the President of one of the last manufacturers of bedsheets still made in the USA. The pricing for our products is roughly 15 to 20% higher than goods made in China.
For the additional 20% the consumer gets a longer lasting product that is made by American workers that get good wages, company provided healthcare insurance, vacation pay, 401K and they work in safety. Our operations are automated and very high tech. Our manfacturing processes are environmentally friendly.
I look at labels and I do buy American because it usually means better quality and it also means I am helping to provide a job for a potential consumer of my products.
Does anyone care? Does anyone else see a connection between buying Made in the USA products and preserving our economy? Or is saving $4 on a product that lasts several years more important?
Maybe we'll figure it out before unemployment hits 15 to 20%. The same 15 to 20% you save when you buy from China.
For the additional 20% the consumer gets a longer lasting product that is made by American workers that get good wages, company provided healthcare insurance, vacation pay, 401K and they work in safety. Our operations are automated and very high tech. Our manfacturing processes are environmentally friendly.
I look at labels and I do buy American because it usually means better quality and it also means I am helping to provide a job for a potential consumer of my products.
Does anyone care? Does anyone else see a connection between buying Made in the USA products and preserving our economy? Or is saving $4 on a product that lasts several years more important?
Maybe we'll figure it out before unemployment hits 15 to 20%. The same 15 to 20% you save when you buy from China.
Eric Wischnia
12/01/2008 at 4:40 PM
12/01/2008 at 4:40 PM
So, Denny, when will one or more of these sites go live? I think it is a fabulous idea and believe the company I work for would jump on board with your proposal.
Brian D. Shelton
11/21/2008 at 10:50 PM
11/21/2008 at 10:50 PM
Well, I don't know about all that, but does LL Bean now carry the Manchurian Hunting Shoe?
Rick Ritter
11/19/2008 at 4:52 PM
11/19/2008 at 4:52 PM
Denny, you are guilty of narrowing your own relevance, and your audience. An older American audience, whose understanding of political and economic realities is proudly based on reading a daily tabloid, might find your post close to their beliefs. They are not your only audience.
Those who you alienate usually won’t bother to tell you about it.
Some simple counters to your thesis:
Economic: We live in a world where global trade is a foundation of business. The prosperity of the US would today be very, very different if US companies could not depend on low-cost production in countries like China. If US companies were guided by simplistic, populist marketing ideals (and xenophobia) they would be uncompetitive, and cease to exist – along with all the US jobs they provide. No workers in the US want to sew your pants (for any realistic wage).
Political: The atrocities committed by China are hardly striking compared with what the US itself can stomach in its activities overseas. How many tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis had to die to feed the vengeance of a US public after 911? (And how many Americans even realize that Iraq had absolutely no relationship to 911?)
Your latest post is a populist tabloid gavel-banger: Let's get back to business.
Those who you alienate usually won’t bother to tell you about it.
Some simple counters to your thesis:
Economic: We live in a world where global trade is a foundation of business. The prosperity of the US would today be very, very different if US companies could not depend on low-cost production in countries like China. If US companies were guided by simplistic, populist marketing ideals (and xenophobia) they would be uncompetitive, and cease to exist – along with all the US jobs they provide. No workers in the US want to sew your pants (for any realistic wage).
Political: The atrocities committed by China are hardly striking compared with what the US itself can stomach in its activities overseas. How many tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis had to die to feed the vengeance of a US public after 911? (And how many Americans even realize that Iraq had absolutely no relationship to 911?)
Your latest post is a populist tabloid gavel-banger: Let's get back to business.
Ken Thomas
11/18/2008 at 6:20 PM
11/18/2008 at 6:20 PM
Spot on Denny! I must work for the same company as Clippy.
Karen
11/18/2008 at 5:25 PM
11/18/2008 at 5:25 PM
Here are a few websites to get you all started on the road back to buying more American-made goods:
www.howtobuyamerican.com
www.allamericanclothing
www.zebulonusa.com
www.shopforamerica.com
I buy nearly all of my food seasonally from farmers markets and farm stands. Gasoline is from Hess only--it is "terror-free". Clothing that says "China" on it is ignored.
www.howtobuyamerican.com
www.allamericanclothing
www.zebulonusa.com
www.shopforamerica.com
I buy nearly all of my food seasonally from farmers markets and farm stands. Gasoline is from Hess only--it is "terror-free". Clothing that says "China" on it is ignored.
Paul Bobnak
11/18/2008 at 4:58 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:58 PM
@ Rainer...
Your comment struck me as a bit humorous. You make it sound like it's ok to buy humans from China but not goods.
Your comment struck me as a bit humorous. You make it sound like it's ok to buy humans from China but not goods.
Bruswain
11/18/2008 at 4:41 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:41 PM
We manufacture Wickers Performance underwear and thermal underwear in the USA and sell our products online through our website. This a 5-year-old new business model that we devised for our company to survive and thrive. We were a private-label US manufacturer for the L.L. Beans, Lands End, REI, Cabelas and many more too long to list here. Our products retail on our Web site at or below our previous customers' prices for imported garments. WE believed and would constantly tell these large retailers, "How could they expect that moving their apparel purchasing overseas would not affect the standard of living in the US and have very bad affect on their ability to sell in a much reduced American Market. It seems that their decisions are coming home to roost a lot sooner than I expected.
Yes, I have interest in a link with your proposed new Made in USA website.
Yes, I have interest in a link with your proposed new Made in USA website.
Anthony Mazzenga
11/18/2008 at 4:37 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:37 PM
Hi Denny,
Outstanding article! My company is still making sewn products in the USA, but it gets harder every day. Our main product line is custom-imprinted baby bibs and similar infant items. Our products are given away to new Moms by companies and organizations who can use the birth of a baby as an opportunity to promote their products or services.
Denny, visualize the textile/apparel industry in the US as an active volcano, with all of the big mills and manufacturers already consumed in the flaming abyss, and the rest of us, together with the few remaining suppliers of parts and US-made fabrics perched precariously on the edge, with more falling into the sulfurous crater every week.
The abyss is China.
By the way, here's what RN means:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rn/
Best Regards,
Robb Ruyle
Powderhorn Industries
Montrose, CO
www.babybib.com
Outstanding article! My company is still making sewn products in the USA, but it gets harder every day. Our main product line is custom-imprinted baby bibs and similar infant items. Our products are given away to new Moms by companies and organizations who can use the birth of a baby as an opportunity to promote their products or services.
Denny, visualize the textile/apparel industry in the US as an active volcano, with all of the big mills and manufacturers already consumed in the flaming abyss, and the rest of us, together with the few remaining suppliers of parts and US-made fabrics perched precariously on the edge, with more falling into the sulfurous crater every week.
The abyss is China.
By the way, here's what RN means:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rn/
Best Regards,
Robb Ruyle
Powderhorn Industries
Montrose, CO
www.babybib.com
Robb Ruyle
11/18/2008 at 4:34 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:34 PM
Denny, like our economy today, Seattle was on its knees in the early ‘70s when Boeing layoffs were the order of the day. That famous billboard near the airport said, “Will the last person leaving Seattle please turn out the light?”
Various engineers and other Boeing castoffs started garage enterprises turning out gimcracks as well as advanced gadgets. One product was a soda pop can crusher… still in daily use at my house. Better, thoughtfully made, at a good price for the time. Unlikely that firm is still in business per se after 35 years, but its artifacts are.
The speaker at my college graduation predicted in a quarter century we’d be a service economy. I scoffed, wondering how that’s possible and still have a viable nation. The rise of software brought some answers, but financial greed and Friedmanesque outsourcing press the question, “Can the world’s largest consumer of raw materials exist when it becomes the largest consumer of finished goods?” Rome didn’t survive it. Will my can crusher become just a curiosity to a future archeologist wondering what really happened to The Ancient Amerikan Republik?
Various engineers and other Boeing castoffs started garage enterprises turning out gimcracks as well as advanced gadgets. One product was a soda pop can crusher… still in daily use at my house. Better, thoughtfully made, at a good price for the time. Unlikely that firm is still in business per se after 35 years, but its artifacts are.
The speaker at my college graduation predicted in a quarter century we’d be a service economy. I scoffed, wondering how that’s possible and still have a viable nation. The rise of software brought some answers, but financial greed and Friedmanesque outsourcing press the question, “Can the world’s largest consumer of raw materials exist when it becomes the largest consumer of finished goods?” Rome didn’t survive it. Will my can crusher become just a curiosity to a future archeologist wondering what really happened to The Ancient Amerikan Republik?
Wash Phillips
11/18/2008 at 4:23 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:23 PM
Whoa, Denny, this goes beyond Chinos. The US publishing company I work for outsources IT to China and India. Customer Service is outsourced to the Philippines. Our prepress production staff works on site but are on the payroll of a "partner" printing company. Fulfillment is outsourced to the local branch of a company based the Midwest. You get the picture. Pretty soon it'll be hard to tell who is actually on the company's payroll and who is not.
Clippy
11/18/2008 at 4:11 PM
11/18/2008 at 4:11 PM
Denny, I know you're not a bicyclist but I think you'd appreciate what Grant Peterson at Rivendell Bicycles is doing. Check it out, maybe interview him sometime - or he might want to interview you, as a fellow cataloger.
http://www.rivbike.com/
http://www.rivbike.com/
Scott
11/18/2008 at 3:34 PM
11/18/2008 at 3:34 PM
I pondered the message of your article not because of its suggestion, but instead to try to determine how we as Americans got to the point that we had to have such a 'full closet'. Do ours wear out? Or do we just get tired of what we have? I recall my grandmother's closet in Germantown PA, when I was a child. She had a few dresses, skirts and blouses. (never trousers!) Three or four sweaters. A single good woolen coat. A raincoat. Perhaps three hats, all carefully stored in hat boxes. Her clothing didn't last one or two seasons - they lasted five or ten because of their construction and how she cared for them. And they were made of US made fabrics and constructed in US factories. I think when merchandise started being imported from Japan (remember how Made in Japan was a sign of something cheesy?) we got hooked on cheap, easy, fast and plentiful. Earlier generations learned to make things last because of the depression, but even before that, they were much more conservative about how much 'stuff' they owned. While we as Americans love our stuff, I believe we could afford to buy more "American", if we agreed to pare down our lifestyle and have less, but better quality. And the other problem: how many clothing factories even exist here anymore? Even high-priced goods are rarely American made. As one of your other readers pointed out, it is getting hard to find American-manufactured goods. Your idea of specifying country of origin is great - and I'd like to see anincentive go to a major clothing manufacturer of quality goods who would set up shop here in the USA. Employees would need to be trained. Profit would be less, and product would cost more. But if they guaranteed quality... Is it unreasonable to think this is possible?
--Carol Worthington-Levy
--Carol Worthington-Levy
Carol Worthington-Levy
11/18/2008 at 2:45 PM
11/18/2008 at 2:45 PM
The best and simplest solution would be the requirement that advertisements for merchandise, whether in a space ad, direct mail, catalogue or online, indicate country of origin, by word (e.g., "China") or image (e.g., a tiny Chinese flag) with appropriate criminal penalties for falsifying origin. There are many people who would like to avoid Chinese goods and those of other brutal and anti-U.S. countries. E.g., the one you mentioned, Jordan, where slavery and child-slavery still flourish.
David
11/18/2008 at 2:20 PM
11/18/2008 at 2:20 PM
I agree with your underlying "mission". Frankly, buying things from China annoys me greatly.
Day after day we hear about yet another debacle involving Chinese products. Poison pet food? Lead in toys? Poison milk? How do we know our clothes don't contain things that are very bad for us. Honestly, I don't think China deserves our business. I feel bad for the people there trying to make a living though.
You mentioned your L.L. Bean clothing tags but didn't say where your Lands' End clothes came from? Not the USA I bet. I love both companies but I still don't want to buy from China.
I often pay extra for quality products, and I will pay extra for things made in the USA. The problem is that the USA doesn't make most things any more. I'm not sure how to solve that.
Good luck with the site(s)!
Day after day we hear about yet another debacle involving Chinese products. Poison pet food? Lead in toys? Poison milk? How do we know our clothes don't contain things that are very bad for us. Honestly, I don't think China deserves our business. I feel bad for the people there trying to make a living though.
You mentioned your L.L. Bean clothing tags but didn't say where your Lands' End clothes came from? Not the USA I bet. I love both companies but I still don't want to buy from China.
I often pay extra for quality products, and I will pay extra for things made in the USA. The problem is that the USA doesn't make most things any more. I'm not sure how to solve that.
Good luck with the site(s)!
MikeDidIt
11/18/2008 at 2:14 PM
11/18/2008 at 2:14 PM
Denny,
Yes, China is nasty, smelly, behind-the-times and bestial in some ways--a bit like America was 100+ years ago during its Industrial Revolution. Yes, China has the benefit of the West's 100 yrs. of knowledge, but not necessarily its resources. I'm not excusing them, but reminding you that the good 'ol USA wasn't always as nice, clean & progressive. We had belching coal-burners and litter covering the streets here up until 35 yrs. ago. And women/girls and many minorities weren't treated as full people then, either. Each country grows up--all at different speeds.
INFO: I see several comments about Made In the USA & how to define it. The Federal Trade Commission has a "Made In the USA Standard" at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/madeusa.shtm.
There are many websites for those looking to "Buy American." Google "Made in the USA" & you'll spend half a day browsing sites. There are many good ones.
Yes, China is nasty, smelly, behind-the-times and bestial in some ways--a bit like America was 100+ years ago during its Industrial Revolution. Yes, China has the benefit of the West's 100 yrs. of knowledge, but not necessarily its resources. I'm not excusing them, but reminding you that the good 'ol USA wasn't always as nice, clean & progressive. We had belching coal-burners and litter covering the streets here up until 35 yrs. ago. And women/girls and many minorities weren't treated as full people then, either. Each country grows up--all at different speeds.
INFO: I see several comments about Made In the USA & how to define it. The Federal Trade Commission has a "Made In the USA Standard" at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/madeusa.shtm.
There are many websites for those looking to "Buy American." Google "Made in the USA" & you'll spend half a day browsing sites. There are many good ones.
Beth
11/18/2008 at 1:24 PM
11/18/2008 at 1:24 PM
Walmart, Walmart Walmart need i say more....
Gary Bronga
11/18/2008 at 12:40 PM
11/18/2008 at 12:40 PM
Its hard to have your cake and eat it too. Americans want the highest wages and the lowest prices. That equation can only be achieved with sufficient innovation or quality differential. In commodity products (i.e. chino pants), such distinctives are especially difficult to maintain. This is not new, in the book, The Worldly Philosophers, a historical look at the beginnings of economics, shows how England faced similar issues in the 1700's.
Working with US vs Chinese manufacturers - the US talk more about their setup costs, up front payment and extra charges - the Chinese about how eager they are to work with you.
A close friend has been unemployed for almost a year. Still, she is not willing to take work at anything less than her previous salary (she claims salary information becomes public on the internet).
I am not condoning poor working conditions internationally, but they change as prosperity increases and employees have wider alternatives. And they are changing.
America cannot prosper simply by counting its own money or building 'cool' websites.
John
Working with US vs Chinese manufacturers - the US talk more about their setup costs, up front payment and extra charges - the Chinese about how eager they are to work with you.
A close friend has been unemployed for almost a year. Still, she is not willing to take work at anything less than her previous salary (she claims salary information becomes public on the internet).
I am not condoning poor working conditions internationally, but they change as prosperity increases and employees have wider alternatives. And they are changing.
America cannot prosper simply by counting its own money or building 'cool' websites.
John
John
11/18/2008 at 12:38 PM
11/18/2008 at 12:38 PM
I state on our pattern web sites that our patterns are created, printed, put together etc here - in the good old USA (by yours truly actually.)
My web site business - we never outsource our work except to local free-lancers like us. I get contacted all the time to outsource internationally - not when those of us here need the work.
And people wonder why I won't set foot in a Wally-World... We check label, we try to always abide by local, independent, Fair Trade. As you stated they don't make it easy to find out, and with places like Wally-World screaming Low Prices, it's hard to open the eyes of others.
My web site business - we never outsource our work except to local free-lancers like us. I get contacted all the time to outsource internationally - not when those of us here need the work.
And people wonder why I won't set foot in a Wally-World... We check label, we try to always abide by local, independent, Fair Trade. As you stated they don't make it easy to find out, and with places like Wally-World screaming Low Prices, it's hard to open the eyes of others.
Annie Wilson
11/18/2008 at 12:27 PM
11/18/2008 at 12:27 PM
My wife and I began shopping at L.L. Bean in the early 90's...at first we loved the quality of products we got there and the warranties were great...we love camping, so L.L. Bean was our choice for tents, sleeping bags, etc.
We ordered an expensive tent in about 1995. We were a bit disappointed with it being made in India, but kept it until it started to fall apart, sent it back, got a replacement...made in China...it fell apart, got another one...same story...by 2000 we just got a refund and went to Costco and bought a cheap tent made in China. That's what you expect at Costco, but at least the tent was $100 instead of $500 and they replace them just as well when they fall apart (and amazingly this one hasn't in three years). Anyway, for the price you pay at L.L. Bean, you'd think they could sell products made here. This would have to be a grass roots movement...don't expect the government to help out...they've profited richly from the export of technology and import of junk, at least in the short term.
I think your idea is a good one. I'd take it on if my industry hadn't been gutted by sending all the major contracts to China, Thailand, and India and making it hard to make a living here!
We ordered an expensive tent in about 1995. We were a bit disappointed with it being made in India, but kept it until it started to fall apart, sent it back, got a replacement...made in China...it fell apart, got another one...same story...by 2000 we just got a refund and went to Costco and bought a cheap tent made in China. That's what you expect at Costco, but at least the tent was $100 instead of $500 and they replace them just as well when they fall apart (and amazingly this one hasn't in three years). Anyway, for the price you pay at L.L. Bean, you'd think they could sell products made here. This would have to be a grass roots movement...don't expect the government to help out...they've profited richly from the export of technology and import of junk, at least in the short term.
I think your idea is a good one. I'd take it on if my industry hadn't been gutted by sending all the major contracts to China, Thailand, and India and making it hard to make a living here!
Barry Brown
11/18/2008 at 12:26 PM
11/18/2008 at 12:26 PM
Hi, Denny,
Another good website to check is www.unionlabel.org. It's done by the Union Label & Service Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. There are some ideas on the site now for union-made holiday items. And did you know that U.S. candy icon Hershey now produces more than 20% of its output in Mexico? Meanwhile, they eliminated 3,000 jobs in North America.
Another good website to check is www.unionlabel.org. It's done by the Union Label & Service Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. There are some ideas on the site now for union-made holiday items. And did you know that U.S. candy icon Hershey now produces more than 20% of its output in Mexico? Meanwhile, they eliminated 3,000 jobs in North America.
Mary Anne Moffa
11/18/2008 at 12:23 PM
11/18/2008 at 12:23 PM
Check out sites like www.buyamericanmart.com and www.buydirectusa.com where you can see a number of American Made Products for sale.
I believe the outsourcing of our manufacturing base is one of the root causes of our economic problems today, a country can not exist when all of it's money constantly flows out, especially when that money is flowing to those who hate us.
I believe the outsourcing of our manufacturing base is one of the root causes of our economic problems today, a country can not exist when all of it's money constantly flows out, especially when that money is flowing to those who hate us.
Mike
11/18/2008 at 11:54 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:54 AM
Hi Denny!
Finally got my digits unlocked from the Chinese finger puszle, so I can now type.
I'm not going to say, "There's a chink in our armor -- and it is China!" Nope, that would be considered in bad taste.
That being said, there seems to be a grass roots movement afoot that just needs support and time to take hold.
This web site is very interesting in that respect. http://americanmadeyes.com/?gclid=CK6fw_qR_5YCFRKLDQodlC6HYw
I prefer to buy locally -- and buy American whenever I can.
But, most consumers base their decisions on how cheap can I get it. It was that way before the economy went bust.
And, it'll probably be that way for some time to come.
I do like the idea of 'growing' a 'Buy American' mind-set in our country. And I believe there is hope -- and a way to do this. Don't know exactly what it is, though.
Perhaps, beginning with 'green products' made in the good old U.S. of A. would be a good place to start.
I'd certainly love to write a catalog for that kind of business.
Finally got my digits unlocked from the Chinese finger puszle, so I can now type.
I'm not going to say, "There's a chink in our armor -- and it is China!" Nope, that would be considered in bad taste.
That being said, there seems to be a grass roots movement afoot that just needs support and time to take hold.
This web site is very interesting in that respect. http://americanmadeyes.com/?gclid=CK6fw_qR_5YCFRKLDQodlC6HYw
I prefer to buy locally -- and buy American whenever I can.
But, most consumers base their decisions on how cheap can I get it. It was that way before the economy went bust.
And, it'll probably be that way for some time to come.
I do like the idea of 'growing' a 'Buy American' mind-set in our country. And I believe there is hope -- and a way to do this. Don't know exactly what it is, though.
Perhaps, beginning with 'green products' made in the good old U.S. of A. would be a good place to start.
I'd certainly love to write a catalog for that kind of business.
Bob Whitworth
11/18/2008 at 11:47 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:47 AM
I am a buyer for a catalog. When I learn from vendors that their product is made in China and protest, they all tell me, "If this product wasn't produced in China, I wouldn't be in business. There is not a manufacturer in this country who could make this product." I'm not an expert on manufacturing, but I do know that MANY small businesses would not exist and would not be the highest growth employers in America without being able to create their products overseas. As a buyer, it is VERY difficult to find Made in America products at any price, but even more so at a competitive price. It's nice to think that if everyone put their foot down and said, I won't buy anything but American made goods, then everything would change. In this economy especially, price and availability is king. Do you know that nearly all of the HONEY found on our grocery store shelves is actually imported from CHINA and repackaged here so the label doesn't read "MADE IN CHINA". If you can buy locally produced honey, the price is at least twice the price. Yes, the taste is superior, the product is safe, but does the consumer care once they actually have to pay for it. Some do, some don't, but you'd have to REALLY want that locally made honey to pay the price and go through the trouble to find it. Small example, but it fits many areas of commerce.
Cathy
11/18/2008 at 11:40 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:40 AM
Well this weeks article was the one time I think you may be fighting a battle that can't be won in our generation. I'll start by saying I agree 100% with you. No arguments at all. Now that's that out of the way I'll explain the issues as having worked in the clothing industry for 27 years. LL Bean could list the country or origin as they have everything made for them pretty much so they know where they come from. Smaller retailers buy from the manufacture and the items come in Multi Sourced. Meaning the same shirt could come from more than 1 country. We've seen the same color and size made in 2 different countries. We put imported as we really don't know where it may come from but we do know it is not made here. Now don't even get me started on the problem with USA Made goods. People won't pay more. I have union guys complaining about the price of USA made items! When shopping for USA made goods two words should never come out of your mouth...How Much? The reason the bulk of clothing is made off shore is because of Americans. We buy it! If we didn't buy it it wouldn't be made. And the main reason we buy it is to save money. I have dealt with several US Manufactures and they need a wake up call. I dealt with one USA Manufacture of Knit hats that was so rude and clueless I wonder how they stay in business. They need to work harder for less and why not. I am and happy to be doing it. I'd love to see it go back to more American made stuff but don't think I'll live long enough to see it. We never stop carrying an item unless the customers tell us to. A discontinued item is an item that didn't sell for whatever reason. The power of the internet makes it easy to test a product. We throw an item up on our website, market it, and you'll know shortly if it's going to be a winner. The customers tell us what to do. I was just up in Freeport at LL bean while visiting my son in Boston. Packed. They must be giving the bulk of Americans what they want. Sad but it's what sells.
Brian
11/18/2008 at 11:33 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:33 AM
Denny,
As a Maine native and a former LL Bean employee, I have to say I feel as though your story is missing some pertinitent information.
First, LL Bean is one of the largest employers in the state of Maine, and its reputation as an employer throughout the state is unparallelled. They do not claim to produce all of their materials in the US at any time, although a quantity of their products are manufactured down the road from the Flagship store in Freeport. Instead, they offer a satisfaction guarantee to customers that allows you to return something anytime after you purchase it if you are not satisfied. This includes shoes you've worn for the last 5 years until the soles come apart or any products you may have issues with due to their country of origin. From a workers perspective, as well as that of a frequent customer, I have to say that LL Bean goes above and beyond that of many retail stores to keep its employees and customers happy. Not to mention they keep a large population of Maine residents employed, and serve as a vital part of the state's economy. While it may be the case that many of their products are made over seas, its seems as though your article has completely disregarded LL Beans response to its customers in favor of the Labor Board. Perhaps there is some middle ground here? It feels as though your article is biased by your consternation, instead of your usual diligence to uncover all the facts from BOTH sides. Ideally, buying American boosts US economic interests in the long run, but in the short term, especially with the holiday season approaching, many people are seeing their pockets stretched thin, and simply don't have those extra dollars it cost to purchase American made goods to spare.
As a Maine native and a former LL Bean employee, I have to say I feel as though your story is missing some pertinitent information.
First, LL Bean is one of the largest employers in the state of Maine, and its reputation as an employer throughout the state is unparallelled. They do not claim to produce all of their materials in the US at any time, although a quantity of their products are manufactured down the road from the Flagship store in Freeport. Instead, they offer a satisfaction guarantee to customers that allows you to return something anytime after you purchase it if you are not satisfied. This includes shoes you've worn for the last 5 years until the soles come apart or any products you may have issues with due to their country of origin. From a workers perspective, as well as that of a frequent customer, I have to say that LL Bean goes above and beyond that of many retail stores to keep its employees and customers happy. Not to mention they keep a large population of Maine residents employed, and serve as a vital part of the state's economy. While it may be the case that many of their products are made over seas, its seems as though your article has completely disregarded LL Beans response to its customers in favor of the Labor Board. Perhaps there is some middle ground here? It feels as though your article is biased by your consternation, instead of your usual diligence to uncover all the facts from BOTH sides. Ideally, buying American boosts US economic interests in the long run, but in the short term, especially with the holiday season approaching, many people are seeing their pockets stretched thin, and simply don't have those extra dollars it cost to purchase American made goods to spare.
Kristen
11/18/2008 at 11:27 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:27 AM
"It turns out the labels on actual products or packaging must reveal country of origin, so retail customers can make an informed decision. "
The press has carried several reports that a chicken grown in the USA and sold in the USA may have been temporarily exported to China for "processing" because the labor there is so cheap. http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/19/news/international/china_chickendeal/index.htm
Where did the last sea food you ate come from? Where was it caught, and when? And where was it processed? Where did your last lamb chop come from? Last hamburger? Last plum? Last lettuce salad?
And where did the animal feed that fed the beast that was your hamburger come from?
And where did the wheat gluten in your "American made" breakfast cereal come from? You might be surprised. http://www.slate.com/id/2163235/
We need — and do not have — a law providing that the package must state a source of origin for all food.
The chino manufacturing issue pales by comparison.
The press has carried several reports that a chicken grown in the USA and sold in the USA may have been temporarily exported to China for "processing" because the labor there is so cheap. http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/19/news/international/china_chickendeal/index.htm
Where did the last sea food you ate come from? Where was it caught, and when? And where was it processed? Where did your last lamb chop come from? Last hamburger? Last plum? Last lettuce salad?
And where did the animal feed that fed the beast that was your hamburger come from?
And where did the wheat gluten in your "American made" breakfast cereal come from? You might be surprised. http://www.slate.com/id/2163235/
We need — and do not have — a law providing that the package must state a source of origin for all food.
The chino manufacturing issue pales by comparison.
Peter Hochstein
11/18/2008 at 11:25 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:25 AM
I used to try to buy American, but eventually I stopped seeing ANYTHING made in the USA for sale and next to nothing made outside of China. I did draw the line at Chinese garlic (which never has a label, but if it's sold in the supermarket and tastes bland, it's Chinese), but that means a separate trip to the food co-op or farmer's market.
I suspect if you want a Made in USA wardrobe, army uniforms and orthopedic shoes are your only hope.
I think the demise of American manufactutring is a big part of this fiscal crisis. 40% of the country can't afford to buy stuff, no matter how cheap it is, because they are unemployed or underemployed. The cheap credit that ran up the housing market was the result of all the money we sent overseas looking for yield.
I suspect if you want a Made in USA wardrobe, army uniforms and orthopedic shoes are your only hope.
I think the demise of American manufactutring is a big part of this fiscal crisis. 40% of the country can't afford to buy stuff, no matter how cheap it is, because they are unemployed or underemployed. The cheap credit that ran up the housing market was the result of all the money we sent overseas looking for yield.
Rob
11/18/2008 at 11:24 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:24 AM
Right on, Denny! Every little bit helps. Nevertheless, import duties should be imposed on products from countries according to their eco and humane policies. Would be easier to police and have greater results...at least as long as America continues to be the world's preeminent consumer.
Dev. Kinney
11/18/2008 at 11:20 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:20 AM
Denny --
Unfortunately, I think you're an exception to the rule. I so very rarely see people willing to pay that extra buck or two for "American Made" merchandise. People buy cheap stuff at cheap prices. I don't claim to understand it, but it's what I see.
How do you recommend changing that attitude around?
Unfortunately, I think you're an exception to the rule. I so very rarely see people willing to pay that extra buck or two for "American Made" merchandise. People buy cheap stuff at cheap prices. I don't claim to understand it, but it's what I see.
How do you recommend changing that attitude around?
Barbara
11/18/2008 at 11:17 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:17 AM
Being in the catalog industry we are faced with a lot of controversy concerning country of origin due to people suing companies b/c they felt misled with the country of origin stated. For example a customer might get an item where on one component it might say “Made in China”. However, another part might say “Made in USA”, but the whole product was assembled in the U.S. So our question has always been, how do we present this info accurately? This is where I believe USA/Imported comes in. In this case, at least for our company, the product was assembled in the USA but has both USA made and imported components. That's where is gets hairy. For these items we were stating the following "Made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts.”
Shannon
11/18/2008 at 11:16 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:16 AM
I have an adopted daughter from China. I wish we had adopted two at the time because she is a beautiful, intelligent and charming little girl.
Having said that, it saddens me that we now try to avoid buying anything made in China, especially when it comes to food. Here is a government that has no respect for the environment or even its own people.
Probably the most disturbing cultural activity is their taste for exotic dishes made from ANY animal part which includes cats, dogs, monkeys, etc. Anything you can think of, they make a delicacy of it.
One of the most gruesome video footages I ever witnessed was of a Chinese worker skinning alive a poor German Shepherd, starting at his left hind foot. To the end, the hapless dog was wagging its tail hoping for some kind gesture.
I know these kinds of activities are probably customary in other countries but they are rampant in China.
For many reasons including economic, we need to now boycott the many, many products made in China. Be willing to pay a little more to protect your health and economy. You cannot trust ANYTHING that comes from there - other than their wonderful little girls.
Having said that, it saddens me that we now try to avoid buying anything made in China, especially when it comes to food. Here is a government that has no respect for the environment or even its own people.
Probably the most disturbing cultural activity is their taste for exotic dishes made from ANY animal part which includes cats, dogs, monkeys, etc. Anything you can think of, they make a delicacy of it.
One of the most gruesome video footages I ever witnessed was of a Chinese worker skinning alive a poor German Shepherd, starting at his left hind foot. To the end, the hapless dog was wagging its tail hoping for some kind gesture.
I know these kinds of activities are probably customary in other countries but they are rampant in China.
For many reasons including economic, we need to now boycott the many, many products made in China. Be willing to pay a little more to protect your health and economy. You cannot trust ANYTHING that comes from there - other than their wonderful little girls.
Rainer
11/18/2008 at 11:16 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:16 AM
This is a GREAT column and provides a great platform for a US industrial renaissance! As an old Army guy, your column reminded me of the scrap metal we sold to Tojo Japan in the late 30's that came back to us on December 7th. Capitalism is a great system, but a major weakness is that it seldom thinks further out than three months.
Regards,
Tom Cannon
PS: SKU & RN: what do they mean?
FROM DH TO TOM CANNON:
SKU is “Stock Keeping Unit”—a retailer’s term. A pair of shoes carried in 8 sizes represents 8 SKUs. Dunno what RN means. Thanx for writing.
Regards,
Tom Cannon
PS: SKU & RN: what do they mean?
FROM DH TO TOM CANNON:
SKU is “Stock Keeping Unit”—a retailer’s term. A pair of shoes carried in 8 sizes represents 8 SKUs. Dunno what RN means. Thanx for writing.
Tom Cannon
11/18/2008 at 11:15 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:15 AM
I had a similar idea specifically for toys when all the lead paint disclosures started coming out...a reference site for toys made in America so concerned parents could spend what would probably amount to more money for that peace of mind. With the availability of and easy access to information these days, it seems like Americans could very easily start voting with their wallets on issues like this.
Ted
11/18/2008 at 11:12 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:12 AM
Disclosure is a good idea about all companies’ true practices, but don’t think that those practicing "human trafficking and involuntary servitude" is limited to non-American companies.
There are also those who skirt the issue of “made in the USA” by the skin of their teeth – acquiring the label - by paying substandard wages and committing other atrocities against the workers, but do so in US territories, such as Saipan. This was uncovered by Ms. Magazine a couple of years ago as being engineered by Jack Abramoff and many of his cronies.
Without disclosure, exploitation will occur ANYWHERE…including the US. (Don’t get me started on Wal-mart.)
There are also those who skirt the issue of “made in the USA” by the skin of their teeth – acquiring the label - by paying substandard wages and committing other atrocities against the workers, but do so in US territories, such as Saipan. This was uncovered by Ms. Magazine a couple of years ago as being engineered by Jack Abramoff and many of his cronies.
Without disclosure, exploitation will occur ANYWHERE…including the US. (Don’t get me started on Wal-mart.)
bilou
11/18/2008 at 11:12 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:12 AM
This is an AWESOME and interesting article! I hope the idea of the SKU website becomes a reality. If there could be a group formed to implement the idea, I certainly would like to help execute the initiative. My areas of expertise are marketing and project management.
Thanks for sharing great business related articles
Thanks for sharing great business related articles
Dee Ford
11/18/2008 at 11:10 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:10 AM
Though they don't offer a large men's category yet, www.fairindigo.com is quickly becoming a favorite catalog of mine. Though not American made products, they do give a description of where exactly each item comes from and why it is fair trade.
Sam Bell
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
Hi Denny:
Having just heard the venerable Herschell Gordon Lewis speak in person about integrity in catalogue copy, I think your idea is top notch.
It's not just about how wonderful you can make your product sound to the reader--it's also important to represent the quality correctly.
With all the crap that inundates everyone in this global marketplace, American marketers have an obligation to customers to stand up for what's right and good in the world.
Otherwise, we're succumbing to the lure of CHEAP by blinding ourselves to the misery behind it.
Need a writer for this website? Count me in.
A. Parcher
Having just heard the venerable Herschell Gordon Lewis speak in person about integrity in catalogue copy, I think your idea is top notch.
It's not just about how wonderful you can make your product sound to the reader--it's also important to represent the quality correctly.
With all the crap that inundates everyone in this global marketplace, American marketers have an obligation to customers to stand up for what's right and good in the world.
Otherwise, we're succumbing to the lure of CHEAP by blinding ourselves to the misery behind it.
Need a writer for this website? Count me in.
A. Parcher
Apryl Parcher
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
I agree with every word you say about not wanting to buy goods that are manufactured under less than ethical conditions and I'm going to start researching countries of origin and RN numbers when I buy online. Thanks for the info. What did L.L. Bean say when you contacted them about your concerns?
Margaret Cervarich
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
11/18/2008 at 11:09 AM
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