After analyzing the benefits of buying USA made promotional products, many businesses have made the bold choice to shift purchasing efforts back to America.
According to an Adweek Media/Harris Poll Survey, 61% of Americans say they are more likely to purchase something when it’s made in the USA.
Selling products begins with conveying quality & trust to consumers. When advertising, remember that there is definite value in promoting that your products are made in America. Ford, Chevy & Dodge have used this selling point for many years in an effort to gain an edge on their foreign competition. If the car business can do it, the promotional products industry can, too!
Let’s take a look at the key benefits of buying American made promotional items.
Quality/Trust: In the manufacturing business, quality control should be of the utmost importance. Many factories around the globe can’t compete with America’s safety and compliance guidelines. When strict quality mandates are in place, better products will be produced.
Logistics: If your company is located in the United States, buying from a domestic supplier is obviously going to do wonders for turnaround times and shipping/customs costs.You’ll likely see less inventory & stock problems as well. From order to delivery, buying domestically will allow for streamlined communication and will lessen the burden for buyers when sudden changes and rush orders occur.
Job Creation For Americans: When you order American parts, you’re providing job security for American workers. Providing these jobs will boost our economy as we move to the future.
Patriotism: Buying American products instills feelings of patriotism and pride.
Companies who choose to buy American made promotional products need to be sure to emphasize these advantages of quality, trust, logistical improvement and patriotism when promoting their businesses. Marketing a business based on price alone will increase vulnerability to Chinese competitors. Chinese companies will likely be able to compete on price, but when you begin to add value with exemplary customer service and other unique and positive qualities of your business, your company gains an advantage. This differentiation generates peace of mind for customers and can be a game changer for your business.
One of America’s best known companies, Walmart, has recently launched an initiative where they will spend $250 billion in products that support American jobs. Along with being a patriotic symbol and marketing asset, this shift in purchasing makes business sense for Walmart as well. They will be closer to the manufacturing process and will have more control when customers ask for changes and adjustments to orders. The pledge also has a positive environmental impact as American factories are far more efficient than Chinese plants.
Here is how Walmart describes the initiative on their website:
“According to data from our suppliers, items that are made, sourced or grown right here in America already account for about two-thirds of what we spend to buy products at Walmart U.S. But there is room to do more.
We are committed to American renewal. In January 2013, Walmart announced it will buy an additional $50 billion in U.S. products in 10 years in an effort to grow U.S. manufacturing and encourage the creation of U.S. jobs.
When you add up what we spend each year, our pledge is to buy an additional $250 billion in American products.”
Walmart is gaining visibility for its pledge through a series of compelling commercials. Take a moment to view the 60 second clip below titled, “I Am A Factory.”
