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Elite Member
As many TBN members know, we are now in pre-production of our first implements (garden bedders) and we are wondering if we could put our fingers on the pulse of TractorbyNet.
The title pretty much says it all, we want to know How Important is it to YOU Personally? Most farm implement manufacturers that I know of are American Companies will produce frames for implements, but then turn around and buy imported components to finish out the product (bolts, knuckles, discs, moldboards, shanks, etc.) to keep the Price Down.
These imported components are not as good of quality as an American Component Company that could be used instead, but on the other side of the scales, they are "Good Enough" for manufactures to warranty them for extended periods of time without experiencing many failures. When I say imported, that could mean China or it could mean India for good examples.
The reason I am asking is that we are now stuck with a tough decision. For about an 8%-10% increase in production costs per piece, we can produce a truely "American" product complete with US made components.
Ok, here is the important question. . . and I am putting the Outcome in Your Hands.
Would you HONESTLY pay 10% more for a Tractor Implement with all USA made components on it?
I need your honest answers here because if you say YES! I would! and we build it and then you buy another brand that was "Made in the USA with Chinese Components" based simply on price . . . you would make this whole venture a complete flop and I would lose a lot of money and waste a lot of time as well.
I am at the point where I would like to put US made components simply because the way I see it, it would be better to give Americans jobs and pay a little more for the quality than to see the same amount taken in tax money go to the American getting unemployment checks, who didn't have a job because I bought the US made one with Chinese components. (kind of evens things out if you follow me).
It is totally up to you guys, (and when we surveyed TBNer's about the paint color, most people said they wanted the cheapest) but we need to know soon. Is American Made with Chinese components that are "Good Enough" - good enough for you to buy and save 10%?
The title pretty much says it all, we want to know How Important is it to YOU Personally? Most farm implement manufacturers that I know of are American Companies will produce frames for implements, but then turn around and buy imported components to finish out the product (bolts, knuckles, discs, moldboards, shanks, etc.) to keep the Price Down.
These imported components are not as good of quality as an American Component Company that could be used instead, but on the other side of the scales, they are "Good Enough" for manufactures to warranty them for extended periods of time without experiencing many failures. When I say imported, that could mean China or it could mean India for good examples.
The reason I am asking is that we are now stuck with a tough decision. For about an 8%-10% increase in production costs per piece, we can produce a truely "American" product complete with US made components.
Ok, here is the important question. . . and I am putting the Outcome in Your Hands.
Would you HONESTLY pay 10% more for a Tractor Implement with all USA made components on it?
I need your honest answers here because if you say YES! I would! and we build it and then you buy another brand that was "Made in the USA with Chinese Components" based simply on price . . . you would make this whole venture a complete flop and I would lose a lot of money and waste a lot of time as well.
I am at the point where I would like to put US made components simply because the way I see it, it would be better to give Americans jobs and pay a little more for the quality than to see the same amount taken in tax money go to the American getting unemployment checks, who didn't have a job because I bought the US made one with Chinese components. (kind of evens things out if you follow me).
It is totally up to you guys, (and when we surveyed TBNer's about the paint color, most people said they wanted the cheapest) but we need to know soon. Is American Made with Chinese components that are "Good Enough" - good enough for you to buy and save 10%?
Most of the time I try to buy good products even if they cost a bit more. It is nice if you can see/know there is better quality. Some things made in the the USA or Canada are not as good as imports. Would I pay say: $550. rather than $500. It would depend, what is the item and what am I using it for, if I can see the value is there then the answer is yes I would most of the time.