Community Forums

ArmandV · 12-26-2015, 07:58 AM

During the past several years, while wandering around in national park gift shops and other places, I've noticed quite a number of souvenirs made in China or in other foreign countries.

I make it a point that whenever I buy something for myself or othere, I make sure that they are 1.) made in the USA and/or, 2.) made locally.

Are you the same way?

Rider99 · 12-26-2015, 08:05 AM

Yes I am the same. Good to hear I'm not alone. I try to buy everything made in the USA. It has given me a good education as to how much is made outside our country. Sad.

dieselclacker · 12-26-2015, 08:13 AM

Get ready to do without, if you exclude purchasing products made in China in your quest for souvenirs. Lots of things no longer made in USA .........
unfortunately

palehorse89 · 12-26-2015, 08:15 AM

We lost this Battle years ago.......when Uncle Sam threw the towel in

pagosajoe · 12-26-2015, 08:22 AM

The world has transitioned to an international economy. That's a good thing. Governments are far less likely to feel the need to attack a country that they do business with. One of the things I like to do when my wife goes shopping is check the labels on the clothes hanging on the rack. Many are from China, and many are from Vietnam and other countries. Quite an education. When we look for something "special" as a souvenir, we will find a local artist or local company as a source.

Pullin' Chocks · 12-26-2015, 08:22 AM

We don't buy any of that stuff, we are fully loaded.

ArmandV · 12-26-2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagosajoe

The world has transitioned to an international economy. That's a good thing. Governments are far less likely to feel the need to attack a country that they do business with. One of the things I like to do when my wife goes shopping is check the labels on the clothes hanging on the rack. Many are from China, and many are from Vietnam and other countries. Quite an education. When we look for something "special" as a souvenir, we will find a local artist or local company as a source.

That's what I do. I would rather buy a kachina or dreamcatcher made by a local Native American artist than ones imported from overseas.

Hit_the_Rhod · 12-26-2015, 08:55 AM

Be careful of "Assembled in USA" stickers. Build a pickup truck overseas, import to the US with the pickup bed off, bolt bed on to frame with 4 bolts, plug in wiring harness, and Voila! They used to be able to legally call it "Made in USA". Now laws specify that a certain amount of actual work or parts have to be made/put on in the US in order to call it "Made in USA". Now they call it "Assembled in USA". Still foreign made, but most people only look for the "USA" in the label, if they look at all!

Foreign made isn't necessarily bad, just that I like to know where my stuff comes from, and who I am supporting. My wife and I are Metal Sculptors, (see our avatar) and we've had pieces ripped off, purchased, sent overseas, and now offered for sale at a fraction of the price we are able to sell for. Heck, I can't even buy the metal in this country for what some of the rip-off artists are selling metal "art" for!

Okay, enough whining, hope everyone enjoys the holidays and has many safe miles of travel in the New Year!

vanbuskirk · 12-26-2015, 09:07 AM

We typically don't purchase souvenirs. If you can't eat it or wear it you probably have to dust it!

beamisl · 12-26-2015, 10:05 AM

I try very hard NOT to buy made in China, Vietnam, Iran, or any foreign made item so often just don't buy at all.

Went to England 15 yrs ago and tried to buy local items but couldn't find until we went off the main path. The store owner's have learned to cut off the part of the tag that says Made in China because they loose sales.

We'll just go without unless we can find something made local.

TonyMac · 12-26-2015, 10:25 AM

It's very simple; if you pay someone with no real skills or talents, more than a fair market can afford, that workload is going to look for a better market to produce those goods or they will quit producing those goods. If the US quit buying from the cheaper markets, you'd park your rv, because you wouldn't be able to afford it, because your's paying hundreds for a pair of sneakers you used to get for $30. Macro ecomomics are simple, but some people still can't get it.

davendeb · 12-26-2015, 10:56 AM

Always find it funny that we avoid china-made items and talk about it on our china-made smart phones, tablets and computers. (Includes Taiwan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and others) lol

palehorse89 · 12-26-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davendeb

Always find it funny that we avoid china-made items and talk about it on our china-made smart phones, tablets and computers. (Includes Taiwan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and others) lol

Good one

TQ60 · 12-26-2015, 11:09 AM

Best to look for something that is local made.

There may be a hunt involved but that adds to the fun and memory.

We collected Olympic pins for la84 when we were there and on those you check for the markings on the back.

Our favorite is one we picked up on the queen Mary it is the eagle holding a banner with the "I love" and banner varies and we have a couple but the city was Las Vegas or something else odd and it had the correct marks.

Check out local shops for unique local stuff to remember the trip.