How To Buy American/Not Buy Chinese

[roguemocha]

How do you patriots do it?

I just furnished my house with everything from Amazon and just stuffed a bunch of money into Xe Xhen Ping’s (or however you spell it) pocket. I have to order everything online as there is no shopping for clothes or household wares from here to Miami (160 miles away).

Any websites or companies you all have, throw them on here please!

 

[WildcatFan1982]

www.mystore.com

 

[rudd1]

-i have a hierarchy: usa, other first world, 2nd world, geopolitical allies (india) if you can't find a north american/japanese/European alternative.

-it is impossible not to buy some stuff from China. I try to do my best.

-you can look to see where things are manufactured on pretty much every website. If you cant...it is made in china.. if it just says "imported"...it's usually Chinese.

-just because something is a "high end" brand...doesn't mean they don't make Chinese crap.

I'll start with clothes, remember some of these sites will sell "imported" stuff as well.

https://www.weargustin.com/

https://lcking.com/

Darn Tough Vermont - Merino Wool Socks Guaranteed for Life

Guaranteed for life and made in the USA, Darn Tough socks are the best merino wool socks for hiking, running, work, and everyday wear.

darntough.com

https://www.sol-angeles.com/

https://www.blueowl.us/

https://www.okayamadenim.com/

https://rivetandhide.com/

https://railcarfinegoods.com/


^there are many more out there...just gotta look.

-some of this stuff is expensive*...but it'll last a helluva lot longer than mall/box store stuff. Buy fewer things of higher quality is my ethos.

*I usually try to buy on sale.

-once you figure out the brands/makers...Ebay is great.

 

[funKYcat75]

Wish.com is all American made. You can tell because it's written in American.

 

[ukgrad83]

Is there any place I can buy General MacArthur chicken? I assume this is the American version of General Tso chicken but I could be wrong. ;-)

 

[DSmith21]

Is there any place I can buy General MacArthur chicken? I assume this is the American version of General Tso chicken but I could be wrong. ;-)

Actually, General Tso's chicken is probably an American dish invented by Chinese immigrants in NYC. Much in the same way that chicken tikki masala is British and not an authentic Indian dish.

 

[berniecarbo]

I make lamp shades for a living. I try my best to buy the raw goods from the USA, but it's impossible. I used to buy 100% made in USA raw goods till chinese imports flooded the USA. With so many imports, there was less need for raw goods, so many suppliers went out of business. There's less need for people like me, so the majority of lamp and lamp shade guys went out of business, causing even less need for raw goods. Guys used to drive to my area (was lamp and shade capital of the world pre chinese imports) in big trucks to load up. They'd stay the night in local motels and buy food, gas. etc local. They'd go home and go on their sales routes to mom and pop furniture stores. Now quality of raw goods is down and wait times to get it are extremely long.

 

[ukgrad83]

Actually, General Tso's chicken is probably an American dish invented by Chinese immigrants in NYC. Much in the same way that chicken tikki masala is British and not an authentic Indian dish.

Yeah, I was trying to be ironical but apparently failed.

 

[Gassy_Knowls]

I get everything USA except baby formula. I buy that from China

 

[rudd1]

I get everything USA except baby formula. I buy that from China

-cant beat the price...plus there is a good chance the kid becomes a super hero, what with all the radiation and chemicals.

 

[Anon1640710541]

<-- don't GAF, because I'm a big believer in the power of a global economy. The Chinese, overall, are much better at making basic goods inexpensively, so we at here in the states can buy them cheaper. It's a win/win.

 

[Atrain7732]

My paint stores went to all USA sourced materials at the beginning of the Wuhan flu. Bought big banners that I prominently displayed at each location. It was a bit of a challenge at first, but we settled in. Vast majority of painters and customers are happy to pay a little more and recognize the much better overall quality.

We just began researching products made in USA and progressed from there. We did have to compromise on a few products that were made outside of US, but nothing from China. It takes a little effort and you will pay more, but it is possible for most products.

 

[Cleisthenes]

There's a small store in Iowa that operates completely out of bald eagle nests. You have to have a DNA test to work there. Some say Betsy Ross herself knitted their first shirt out of the same material she used on the flag. Others that George Washington himself wore a pair of their underwear at the Alamo.

 

[roguemocha]

<-- don't GAF, because I'm a big believer in the power of a global economy. The Chinese, overall, are much better at making basic goods inexpensively, so we at here in the states can buy them cheaper. It's a win/win.

I think you know why they make goods inexpensively, basically slave labor is a winner for any economy.

 

[Blue63Madison]

I buy whatever the **** I want to buy. I have never once considered or looked at where it was made.

 

[roguemocha]

Well @Blue63Madison when your grandchildren are slaves to the robot body and cryohead of Mao we’ll see what tune you’re singing, sir.

But seriously it’s a real problem how much we depend on them. All these microchips for cars and cell phones. I mean, if they wanted to they could say touch your phones and cars (and a bunch of other important stuff) and we’d be SOL for years.

 

[ManitouDan]

I'm wearing American made jeans today .. L C King brand , very high quality

 

[UKGrad93]

Most Ethan Allen furniture is still made in the USA.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Most Ethan Allen furniture is still made in the USA.

Same with England Furniture, now an independent division of La-Z-Boy and made in New Tazewell, TN.

 

[berniecarbo]

Most Ethan Allen furniture is still made in the USA.

True. I make some of the shades for a company who makes and sells lamps to Ethan Allen. I deliver to their factory once or twice a week.

 

[ManitouDan]

Where around Lex / Cincy / columbus can I see England Furniture ?

 

[JDHoss]

Same with England Furniture, now an independent division of La-Z-Boy and made in New Tazewell, TN.

I knew a dude back in the early 80's who used to work at one of those places in Tazewell. He moved to Virginia and set up his own upholstery shop and hired one of my friends. On a Friday afternoon at quitting time a couple of years after he'd been in business, he told my buddy that he needed to take his tools home with him. My buddy asked him if he was being fired. He said he just stated again, "you need to take your tools home with you." On Saturday night, the shop burned to the ground. A few months later, my buddy got a check in the mail for a month's pay from him. I assume that was after he collected the insurance. Haven't been through Tazewell in several years. I wonder how many of furniture places are still going besides England?

 

[berniecarbo]

I knew a dude back in the early 80's who used to work at one of those places in Tazewell. He moved to Virginia and set up his own upholstery shop and hired one of my friends. On a Friday afternoon at quitting time a couple of years after he'd been in business, he told my buddy that he needed to take his tools home with him. My buddy asked him if he was being fired. He said he just stated again, "you need to take your tools home with you." On Saturday night, the shop burned to the ground. A few months later, my buddy got a check in the mail for a month's pay from him. I assume that was after he collected the insurance. Haven't been through Tazewell in several years. I wonder how many of furniture places are still going besides England?

I knew a guy in the furniture business. He used to joke (I think he was joking) that he hired a known arsonist and tried to piss him off, but didn't have any luck.

 

[MGGA]

I get everything USA except baby formula. I buy that from China

Is that what’s the way do with all the baby girls over there, make them into formula?

 

[BigTimeBecks3500]

My paint stores went to all USA sourced materials at the beginning of the Wuhan flu. Bought big banners that I prominently displayed at each location. It was a bit of a challenge at first, but we settled in. Vast majority of painters and customers are happy to pay a little more and recognize the much better overall quality.

We just began researching products made in USA and progressed from there. We did have to compromise on a few products that were made outside of US, but nothing from China. It takes a little effort and you will pay more, but it is possible for most products.

So you were fine selling low quality products to painters and customers pre pandemic? What guy.

 

[Atrain7732]

So you were fine selling low quality products to painters and customers pre pandemic? What guy.

Nope not at all but not surprised you don’t understand.

We carried a mixture of options as do most of not all retailers—better quality more expensive made in USA on some products then also some cheaper options as well made outside the USA (Mostly China). When we switched and made the lower quality cheaper options no longer available there was a concern that some would not be accepting and would only want the cheaper products. As I stated that has not at all been the case. I’m also fortunate that in my business it really only pertains to sundry items which is a smaller portion of my sales.

Not so hard to grasp there huh genius? So other than criticizing my approach what is your enlightened stance on this topic?

 

[BigTimeBecks3500]

Nope not at all but not surprised you don’t understand.

We carried a mixture of options as do most of not all retailers—better quality more expensive made in USA on some products then also some cheaper options as well made outside the USA (Mostly China). When we switched and made the lower quality cheaper options no longer available there was a concern that some would not be accepting and would only want the cheaper products. As I stated that has not at all been the case. I’m also fortunate that in my business it really only pertains to sundry items which is a smaller portion of my sales.

Not so hard to grasp there huh genius? So other than criticizing my approach what is your enlightened stance on this topic?

I was being a little facetious there, and I'm glad your consumer base has adjusted with you. Always good to see anything that creates more American jobs. I think it's cool that you took a stand and that you're still able to be successful. Did your loss leader ratio change at all? I'd assume that for the most part those products come from cheaper manufacturing options.

 

[Atrain7732]

I was being a little facetious there, and I'm glad your consumer base has adjusted with you. Always good to see anything that creates more American jobs. I think it's cool that you took a stand and that you're still able to be successful. Did your loss leader ratio change at all? I'd assume that for the most part those products come from cheaper manufacturing options.

Sorry if I jumped on you unnecessarily I don’t always pick up the sarcasm and it was a long day today.

Luckily, we haven’t really ever had to offer many loss leaders. We mainly deal with B2B and don’t compete a ton with the box stores who offer those type of deals. Which is also an advantage when making a switch over to made in the USA only product lineups.

 

[BigTimeBecks3500]

Sorry if I jumped on you unnecessarily I don’t always pick up the sarcasm and it was a long day today.

Luckily, we haven’t really ever had to offer many loss leaders. We mainly deal with B2B and don’t compete a ton with the box stores who offer those type of deals. Which is also an advantage when making a switch over to made in the USA only product lineups.

It's impossible to pick up in social media. I probably should have clarified with a follow up or emoji. Good for you for continuing to be successful while promoting American products. We need more like you.

 

[AustinTXCat]

I knew a dude back in the early 80's who used to work at one of those places in Tazewell. He moved to Virginia and set up his own upholstery shop and hired one of my friends. On a Friday afternoon at quitting time a couple of years after he'd been in business, he told my buddy that he needed to take his tools home with him. My buddy asked him if he was being fired. He said he just stated again, "you need to take your tools home with you." On Saturday night, the shop burned to the ground. A few months later, my buddy got a check in the mail for a month's pay from him. I assume that was after he collected the insurance. Haven't been through Tazewell in several years. I wonder how many of furniture places are still going besides England?

My daughter worked at one of the England plants for about 6 months or so. I believe 3 three England plants remain. DeRoyal, also located in New Tazewell, produces medical accessories. Another Tazewell factory, SRK, manufactures auto parts. My daughter works there. Clayton Giles, formerly Giles, which manufactures modular homes, is also located in the area. Lots of factories still nearby.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I like the idea, but I'm just not sure I'd ever execute on it. There's 24 hours in a day, and checking labels and brands is just too low on the list.

However, I do love all of these online boutique startups.. with everything from grooming, to meal delivery, to clothing. I'm not positive if they are all American (like their sourcing), but things like FreeFly, Oar and Alps, Banner and Oak, Shaker and Spoon.

I'm a sucker for monthly subscription boxes and if it's a company that makes unique and useful products.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

I do buy American made products when I can find them and in some cases it's becoming a little easier than in the past. Dearborn Denim, Diamond Gusset, etc., make very good quality American made jeans, along with other clothing items. The denim is made in the USA, as are the other parts. I believe the zippers and rivets are made in Kentucky. I mainly buy jeans from there so I don't know what their other clothing is like. Red Land Cotton sells American made sheets, towels, etc. from cotton grown in Alabama. I've been very pleased with the quality of their products. There are options out there if you do a little looking around. I saw a watch company the other day that assembles watches in this country. The movements are swiss but they are assembled here. The website said they are considering building an American movement in the USA so the entire watch would be manufactured here. It think it would be a good thing if some of those industries could gain a foothold again in this country.

 

[jameslee32]

Choose french fries over moo shu pork.

https://www.stickley.com/

 

[Anon1640710541]

Most Ethan Allen furniture is still made in the USA.

I read this book, which I highly recommend.



From what I can recall.....

- the Bassett family is the premier player in the US furniture market
- they started to see Chinese products flood the market at 25% of the cost
- they had no patent protection to enforce
- they sued the federal government and won to enforce a tariff and receive a subsidy


So now instead of US consumers buying the exact same products at a fraction of the cost, they buy US made stuff at US prices, and the profits of his Bassett business are subsidized by the Chinese and the US governments collection of tariffs.

Or something like that.

I applaud his success and his ability to keep the family business afloat, but I'd much rather have the choice to be the same goods at half the price.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

If you want to buy truly American made it would be nearly a full time job researching. So much comes from China it's insane. Then you have the American companies that are subsidiaries of a Chinese company, that use Chinese parts.

Even if it's truly an American company, nearly all have at least have one Chinese supplier. Usually more than one..

There's barely anything that's truly American made nowadays.

 

[BigTimeBecks3500]

If you want to buy truly American made it would be nearly a full time job researching. So much comes from China it's insane. Then you have the American companies that are subsidiaries of a Chinese company, that use Chinese parts.

Even if it's truly an American company, nearly all have at least have one Chinese supplier. Usually more than one..

There's barely anything that's truly American made nowadays.

Totally agree. If a product or service meets/exceeds my expectations of quality/value, I will buy it, with zero regard for any other criteria.

 

[Ron Mehico]

I’m in the process of building my home and decided to try and go mainly American made from appliances to flooring. It’s been significantly more but it makes me feel better and so screw it.

 

[rudd1]

Dress clothes:

https://www.dapperclassics.com/

https://www.hertlingusa.com/

https://www.gitman.com/

https://hardwick.com/

 

[Fact_Checker]

We don't even have enough people in America to make everything we need. I don't think American made goods are worth the price they cost generally and just because it was Made In America probably doesn't mean it was Made In America. Guarantee many parts and components were made overseas and owners of the company are from other nations. I think this is a designation that doesn't mean what everyone thinks it means.

 

[rudd1]

-nah...there are millions of unemployed folks in the US. If it were prioritized it wouldn't be an issue.

-we hamstrung ourselves under the guise of environmental concerns...only to outsource production to places that have *zero* in the way of environmental protection. The pollution is still happening(actually its worse) but we can't see it so it makes us feel righteous.

-it's a matter of degree...if something is "assembled" in the US with foreign parts, that is better than nothing.

-global trade can be a good thing, but China is *actively* involved in trying to reduce the power(at best...I tend to think they're out for global domination) of the USA and the west in general. They shouldn't be rewarded for trying to do this by sending them cash. Pretty simple.

-if you put in the work you can limit the money you send to our greatest enemy...anything helps, don't see why that bothers folks.