“U.S.A., U.S.A. Buy American! Made in The U.S.A.”
Sounds good, doesn't it? It may sound good BUT when it comes to opening their wallets and shelling out their “hard earned money “Americans ...DON'T!
According to a recent Associated Press -GfK poll, the majority of Americans prefer lower prices over American made products.
Since the “global meltdown” in 2008 (thanks Wall Street) we have been living in the “new normal”. Most of us want....more for less. In recent years incomes have barely improved forcing households to seek the best bargain, instead of pricier American made goods. When asked, 3 out of 4, say they would like to buy American products, but items are too costly or too difficult to find, according to the poll. Only 9% say they only buy American made.
When choosing a pair of $85.00 shoes made in the U.S. over a pair made in China for $55.00, 67% said they would choose the cheaper pair. Only 30 % would spend the extra money to buy the more expensive U.S. Made pair.
It’s not lower income or middle-class consumers buying “on the cheap”. People in a higher incomes household earning 100,000.00 or more per year were NO less likely to buy American made.
At Premium Cabinet Studio, we have cabinets that are import as well as some U.S. Made. In my opinion quality is key.... we must have a superior product to offer our clients, a product we are proud to sell.
All cabinet lines are excellent quality, all are all real wood, but one is slightly more money.
Guess which ones we sell the most?
I was talking to one of my design contacts a few weeks ago. He owns a successful upholstery shop in Kansas City for the past 40 years. He told me he has designers needing to “retail” a pillow for what his “wholesale” price is. He said it’s hardly worth it , and is considering retirement.
We will have to wait to see as the economy improves, if we Americans will indeed “Buy American“.
Made in the U.S.A.... for most of us... No Way.