One of the biggest perceived barriers to buying products made in USA is the expense. As someone who used to look for the price tag before the “made in” label, I understand this concern all too well. But as I’ve come across so many American made items, I began to question what the price differences really are. I decided to randomly pick several items from the Made in America Marketplace and have then face off with a similar imported product. The results show the price difference is often nominal, and buying the American made option often results in a higher quality purchase.
$38.99, made in USA.
vs.
$69, “imported.”
$17.95, made in USA.
vs.
$18.20, made in China.
$21.95, made in USA.
vs.
$16.95, “imported.”
Nature’s Palette Body Gift Set
$22.85, made in USA.
vs.
$21.50, made in Mexico or China.
$36, made in USA.
vs.
$39.99, “imported.”
Children’s Table and Chair Set
$239.87, Handcrafted in USA.
vs.
$104.99, Made “overseas.”
Interestingly, the price difference in most cases were nominal. When it came to the apron, bath set, water bottle and baby toy, the price between the American made and imported items differed by less than $10, often less. In the case of the dress, the American made version was actually significantly cheaper, while the American made furniture was unsurprisingly much more pricey.
The take home message here is that it comes down to a matter of priorities. Sure, you can get a Bath and Body Works gift set containing larger quantities and more items for the same price as an American made set featuring three items. But in the first case the bath products are filled with toxins, and in the second they are handmade using all natural ingredients. Another important consideration is quality and durability. American made furniture comes at a heftier price tag, but will it last generations while the imported set may start showing wear before it is outgrown? Ultimately it comes down to your choice as a consumer.
Are you wiling to pay more for an American made product? Do you find that products made in USA are of higher quality and safer? How do you make spending choices between items made domestically and overseas?
I don’t see much of a difference, considering the higher quality and safety, buying American is the best choice and sometimes even cheaper, sometimes a bit more expensive and in a few cases much more expensive but the quality justifies it.
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I totally agree, and I love that Silly Creature are American made (and I carry them in the Marketplace.) I would mush rather give my son one high-quality toy than a bunch of cheap stuff that will just break, or is of questionable safety.
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
You can also factor in the fuel used to ship the item across the ocean – fossil fuels are so cheap (relatively) that the table and chairs made in china are still significantly less expensive, but the carbon footprint will be much higher. And in most cases, by buying American, you are supporting American business owners who are keeping jobs here and contributing to their communities! Good for all of us, I’d say.
Recently it was announced where I live that a large distribution center is opening and will provide jobs for the local people. However, the company sells imported goods so I started wondering if it is really a positive event for the community or if in the long run it will eventually do more harm than good.
Great insight, Liz. I know when big-box stores like Walmart open up in a community they initially create an influx of new jobs. But the loss of jobs from local independent stores is even greater.
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
The environmental impact of importing products is huge, in addition to the impact on our local economy. Not only is the drain on fossil fuel resources higher, but items made in countries like China have no environmental regulations for their factories.
Sarah recently posted..Price Comparisons: Is Buying American Made Really Too Expensive?
These are some great comparisons and something to consider for sure! I don’t think I look at the labels enough but I really should.
Tonia @TheGunnySack recently posted..Safety Kits For Students ~ Energizer Champions For Kids
There isn’t too much of a difference. Considering the availability and services, I believe one should prefer American made products.
Thanks for sharing.
-Daniel
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I would like to know who the laborer is for each of these. That probably contributes the most to the prices. I will never use child labor or illegal labor for my products, and I would like to pay an American a little more to do a good job. That means, my retail prices will be higher. A big challenge in hiring an American is if the minimum wage in your State is just way to high for the job needed, and the market doesn’t support it. Customers are still looking at my product, and comparing it to the price of the Chinese product. That’s hard to overcome. You have to sell it to be able to hire the labor. See what I mean?
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I don’t actually think buying American is more expensive in the long run. You get, 9 times out of 10, a better quality product which you will keep longer, making it better quality!! Thanks for posting such a great list!
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What a great post and yes, it seems that items made in the US may appear extremely expensive but it’s not that much different than buying it somewhere else. Thanks for gathering all this info.