I received an email from outside the USA written by a reader of my store site. Probably a reader of my other e-sites too, but he didn’t say. He was not a customer of mine but was seeking information on something I might have in stock.
He had purchased an imported machine tool (to his country) from a source other than me, of a particular brand name I offer. He also ordered some accessories listed as the same brand name for the machine.
When he received one of the accessory products, it was apparently damaged by extremely rough handling. I did view a picture he sent me of the damage and it truly was broke. I also verified it was the same brand name (marked on the item) as the original machine.
What he was more upset about was what he described as a poor quality product and the fact the box the accessory came in was marked with a country name other than where the main machine was built. Many export /import laws usually require country of origin on packaging. This part must not have been re-boxed and it was evidently in the correct brand name package.
I have exactly the same component in my shop and I have no issue with the quality. We all have a right to our own opinions on quality. The fact that it may have been made in a different country than I might have expected does not change my opinion or satisfaction. I do not recall seeing the country of origin on the box for my item, but it certainly may have been there.
There is no way to know what may or may not have been built by the brand name’s own facility, perhaps just located in a different country. Actually I doubt that it was their own private facility, but that is not the point. I have been in many US Factories where several brand names are traveling down the same assembly line.
In today’s world economy, the production of many items is outsourced to the best source by the manufacturer. Not every manufacturer can personally build every part of every machine they produce in one location. If it carries their certain brand name, then that manufacturer has determined it meets their standard.
US brand automobiles use parts sourced from Canada and Mexico manufacturers. Volkswagen has auto plants in the US. Is it an American car or a German car?
However, it would be misleading to say 100% American made when in fact they are not. But it happens all the time. I am not saying that is proper.
I have amateur radio equipment advertised as 100% American made and I know well and true, most of the electronic components (transistors, capacitors, resistors) inside are imported. So where do I draw the line?
Buyer Beware if you are totally concerned about country of origin. Nothing much is the same as it was… in today’s whole world economy.