I can usually, but not always, tell where something is made by the price. If it is substantially lower than competing products, it's probably Chinese. But yes, I'd like more info.

If we knew where something was made, that might make it easier to avoid fakes. My guess would be that Amazon would resist this because it would be more difficult for them to act as a venue for other sellers.

Yes, but a quick google search will tell me.

Just bought a really nice plate carrier. Price was great, reviews were solid. I was going to buy it no matter what since it's just for training, but I just wanted to know for sure.

Not to get sideways in this, but country of origin is kinda like reporting the race of a criminal suspect. If you don't see "made in USA" touted, it's most likely Chinese.

Doesn't bother me. Some of the products are generic and may actually come from varying manufacturers from one shipment to the next. If you really want to know you can often research and figure it out, like RAMIUS pointed out.

Not just for generic but even branded stuff. And I am not just looking for made in USA, Japan or some first world EU origin but specifically made in China or not. I can tolerate a lot of origins other than China.

A lot of store will say US or Imported. Not good enough for me. I want to know China or not.

The toys from China painted with lead were once popular. China has also been found to be the source of many of the counterfeit drugs. I think most of us would prefer to directly support U.S. products.

It is frequently one of the most asked questions in the Q&A section of the page. Usually there is an answer.

On that same topic - when Forum member buy safes - do they inquire as to where the steel came from?

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
It is frequently one of the most asked questions in the Q&A section of the page. Usually there is an answer.

Exactly what I was thinking. Made in China? I don't care. Shoot, half the things in my garage and probably my kitchen were made in China.

quote:

Originally posted by Bassamatic:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
It is frequently one of the most asked questions in the Q&A section of the page. Usually there is an answer.

Exactly what I was thinking. Made in China? I don't care. Shoot, half the things in my garage and probably my kitchen were made in China.

And in your closet, all your mobile smartphones, all your computers, some of your clothes (but usually Malay or Vietnam).

Not saying don't support US Made stuff - just a lot of stuff isn't made here any longer and lots of the stuff you take for granted isn't made here either.

AimPoint PRO, $29.95 - Seems legit.

Maybe you should "Ask SIRI".,

I would like to have clear country of origin information on things that I buy, but it's not that simple.

Think about a product that has parts from several countries, made with raw materials from other countries, used in factories in still other countries to make subassemblies that are gathered up at a final assembly plant in yet another country. What is the country of origin?

To the people who dismiss the concern over country of origin because tons of shit in your home is already made in china is a bit silly. That fact is why I seek out American made products when I can.

Many NAPA auto parts, some Snap-on electric tools and those YETI insulated cups ($30?!?) come to mind.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeNH:
To the people who dismiss the concern over country of origin because tons of shit in your home is already made in china is a bit silly. That fact is why I seek out American made products when I can.

Well, OK. On the other hand, I could just as easily argue that seeking out only made in America things is a bit silly when everything else in your home is made in China or wherever.

Hey, it's all good. We all have to do what we gotta do.

I try to buy American whenever possible. I just paid twice as much for a set of auto dollies at Northern Tool to get the US ones vs the Chinese.

Having said that, Chinese manufacture is not always awful. Apple seems to have established quality standards with its Chinese counterparts that produces some pretty decent iPhones. The ones that irk me are the US tool companies (looking at you Vise Grip) that use their name to sell inferior crap. If you buy cheap, off brand tools at Harbor Freight, you know what you're getting. Don't expect me to pay full price for a "Vise Grip" that comes out of the same plant.

 
I see a small percentage of products that I buy on Amazon listing the COO or "Made in" information. I wish they did it with all, but I suspect some manufacturers don't supply that information. Some traditionally "American made" products, when you go to their web site, it is almost impossible to tell which ones are still made here and which have been moved overseas. Danner boots is a notable exception. They have a little American flag next to their products that are still made here, and the boot has a little American flag tag attached to the top. Price is always a good indicator, too. Starrett was traditionally all American made, but not any more. Sometimes if you look at the product picture on the Starrett site, and use a magnifying glass, you can see "Made in" info. Manufacturers are sensitive to outsourcing and make it very hard to determine the info.