As a small business owner/operator for almost 20 years (started when I was a mere 19,) I am a huge supporter of small business. From services to goods. When I tell people to support our economy by seeking out American made goods, I get the same responses:
- Too hard to find
- Too Expensive
- Quality Inferior
With the advent of the internet, American made goods are NOT hard to find. Small brick and mortar boutiques are NOT the only places you can find quality, handmade goods right here. You can find them from google and other "middle men" such as eBay, Etsy, Live Deal, Etc. You can also find them at holiday craft fairs.
When you price out the goods, you will find that the prices are comparable to foreign made products with superior quality. You can get holiday ideas from internet middlemen like I mentioned and then google the product and find many more to be found on their own site. When shopping on the internet and purchasing from little known boutiques you can find customer service superior to that of large retailers. For folks (like me) who get hives from shopping in large crowds, the internet shopping experience can be quite pleasant.
When shopping on the internet make sure you ask questions and verify the authenticity:
- always ask to make sure your product will be received in a timely manner (before the gift giving occasion!)
- ask about the construction of the product and the environment in which it is constructed (for those with allergies: smoker or pets around?)
- ask for customer references, feedback and check the local BBB
- Tips from Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
- Online shopping tips from the FTC
- Online Shopping tips from YAHOO!
If you have to see, feel our touch your item prior purchasing, check out local holiday fairs. Some notable larger craft fairs in the local Las Vegas Area for the 2007 holiday season:
- Nov 22-Dec 30, 2007: The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
- Dec 2, 2007: Doodlebug Craft Bazaar, Boulder City
- Dec 6-9, 2007: Winterfest Craft Fair, Henderson
I personally love to create my own presents as I am an avid quilter and accomplished seamstress. I used to buy American made vintage materials (such as old bedspreads that have lasted decades and will last many more decades. I reinforced the seams by double and triple stitching. Some gifts I gave at baby showers literally brought people to tears! If you would like to learn how to create your own gifts, many large retailers offer classes and do it yourself online guides & message boards:
I had one of these online stores and my customers were so fabulous! If you find the right vendors, I think you will be pleased with the level of customer service, prices and the quality of your item you are purchasing! Just remember to do your research when you are purchasing online.
Renee...
I am right with you on this one.
What better way to support our economy?
Shhhh. Don't tell anyone I said something that wasn't silly :)
TLW...ROAR!
I'm all far keeping the dollars here in America as long as the value is actually there. However, being the proud owner of a Cadillac Deville I can tell you that I've given the American car manufacturers their last chance. Next car is going to be German or Japanese!
To those of you who read that last sentence and got upset over it, I'm accepting donations for next month's repair. How do I know that it's going to break down? I've owned it now for 3 years and it's out of warranty! Why should next month be any different than last month!
Bob Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.
Jonathan: No Doubt! The best Christmas present my kids ever received was a handmade rocking horse and it's still alive today. The after effects of the poisoned wheat gluten is that my pups get home made wet food.
Michael: Since you are a numbers nut I won't hold that totally against you!
Lisa: BINGO!
TLW: No one read this post so your secret is safe with me :zipping&lockinglips:
Lisa Ryan: REALLY?!?!?! I will be making some soon as my sister is preggers! So soothing to sit and create!
Kris: I didn't give you the kudos for this post but will be happy to if you give me permission. I go on tangents about this so often!
Tom: I am always busy, even when I am slow!
Bob: I hear Mercedes has a better track record, NOT! If you want to come down here and be my renter's agent for a month, your Caddy will be singing like a bird in no time!
Scott: Nice tag line!
Rey: As a puppy dawg owner it bothers me too! I want to meet your baby & wifey!