How do I Buy American Products?
- Act like a detective next time you go clothes shopping. It may take some time, but check underwear labels, socks, shirts, pants and coat tags. Find out which brands have Made in USA labels. You may need to try various stores before you locate an acceptable selection of items. If you are determined to purchase American made goods, accept that you may have to choose clothing that costs a little more.
- Check the containers and boxes of items that you purchase for your home. Small appliances, dishes, cook wear, toys and cleaning supplies are all examples of items that are sometimes made in the USA. Once you learn the brand names and familiarize yourself with the labels, they will become easier to spot. Some companies display an American flag on the product, but be careful, as the words "Made in USA" must be present along with the flag to be legitimate.
- Purchase an American-made car next time you need a new automobile. This is a substantial purchase that can be purchased entirely with United States components. Ask your local car dealership to show the country of origin of each car make and model, as some American brands are made elsewhere and certain foreign autos may be made in the USA.
- Shop online if you can't find clothing items or toys that are made in the USA within your community. By entering the words "made in USA" into any search engine, different sites for quality American made goods will be available to you. Good quality American made games and toys are easily found online and can be shipped anywhere as gifts.
- Purchase furniture and home furnishings from smaller shops specializing in quality or American made wood products. Smaller stores often are more likely to carry USA made or local products than larger discount chains. Bulky items, however, purchased at home building suppliers such as lawn mowers, plywood and insulation often are made in the USA.
- Request your favorite store stocks certain USA made items. The more people ask for certain products and purchase them, the more likely stores are to carry them. Write complaint letters to well known companies that shut their USA production plants and move oversees.