How Important is Made in the USA?

[kebo]

Personally I would prefer the 10% price cut, rather than pay for the slight increase in quality. Considering that I'm not a heavy duty every day type tractor user, I don't think the lesser quality parts will have much, if any effect on the way I use my implements. Besides, I've already tied up enough money in my tractor & trailer, I need to cut costs somewhere. I commend you on your approach at trying to deliver what the consumers are looking for and I hope your first implement is a success!

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Ted...You are a true Patriot. I find it sad that you have to make these sort of decisions.

To answer your question honestly, being a residential tractor owner in which my equipment is not really an "investment", and, I survive on a modest income, price is usually more important to me. (I'll go hide now)

And, like has been previously said...Not all things made American are quality so the label doesn't carry the stature that it once did.

I hate buying something and when I get it home I see the made in china tag. I think I, like many of us, need to read the label before we buy.

Best of luck.

 

[Artesia Aggie]

I REALLY like the idea of a company making products here in the USA even if there is a 10% price difference provided that the QUALITY is there.

This year at Christmas my kids wanted a go cart. I purposely looked around trying to find one built in the USA. I found a company that still makes them here as opposed to China. I was a little disappointed that it had some foreign parts but it was mostly USA and built well.

It was competitvely priced, but not the cheapest. I try to buy American products when I can but it is certainly not very easy!

 

[beppington]

Not to get too political, but does it really matter if it's "Made in the USA" when you can't even be sure it was made by an American?

i.e. The local roofing company replacing shingles nearby can certainly state something like "Installed By An American Company", but I suspect most of the crew is not legal Americans.

Maybe Arizona is working to improve this situation.

 

[Grateful11]

I have to wonder if you even get everything you need to build completely
Made in the USA implements. One thing is individual disc's, I've seen Brazilian
and a Indian but no USA made. The disc were replaced on our 12' Amco F17 Bog
Harrow about 5 years ago and my wife and her Dad went with Brazilian.

 

[gilbertmsg]

There are still many who will pay the extra premium for made in America. I am one of those, if you build a good product, it will sell. One the down side, this country has gotten used to buying product and throwing in trash sometime down the road. You will not starve with your made in America decal.

Eddie

 

[Baby Grand]

Made in USA is a big plus for me. If everything else is a wash I favor the home team. We need to manufacture to have a healthy economy.

 

[sweettractors]

Where is Landpride made? Ken Sweet

 

[Reg]

Basically NO.

Not for unpatriotic reasons, quite the opposite.
I buy products that compete on quality and price (probably in that order) and I really do NOT believe that "Made in XYZ(pick a country)" always indicates a level of quality (good OR bad).

If I buy "just because" of where something is made it tips the price/quality competitive scales.

It could favor an inferior product that is not price competitive and by so doing lead that company to over invest in an illusion that they have things all sewn up.
Ultimately the bottom WILL fall out of that.

To save an industry I would much rather send them a STRONG message that they need to be quality and price competitive - which often means buying elsewhere.

Probably not what a lot of folk wanted to hear (read) here, JMAO, etc.

EDIT:
To put it another way.
YES if it is IN FACT 10% better - where "better" is in some way quantifiable, e.g. likely to last significantly longer, likely to get more work done, or do the work better (that word again).
What I doubt is that the "Made in" decal adds quantifiable "value".
It is possible to have good or bad quality management anywhere in the world.
END EDIT

 

[tulenutn2o]

I think the side by side comparison and maybe even a failure test/abuse test would be great depending on implement. Personally, I look for American stuff first. I too am displeased with sending money to our enemies. Market yourself in such a way as to point out your small business/grass roots and : Completely manufactured in the USA. Making that small change in wording would make a world of difference. I've seen some even list where they buy their components. However, be extra careful working with suppliers so that they don't ship you a foreign product saying it is USA made. KINZE planters and wagons used to have a policy to purchase from: county first, in state, out of state, canada, mexico. Don't know about now with mangement change. Absolutely all effort put forth for local purchase 1st, and as far as I know, NO CHINESE! Please let us know when you are up and running. USA built is still the best.