Overseas prices might be attractive but at what cost? Think about all the benefits you gain from working with a USA based manufacturer!
✓ “Made in the USA” – don’t underestimate the power in domestically made products, this can be a valuable marketing tool
✓ Communication
✓ Faster response time – not having to wait 13 hours for a response (no middle of the night conference calls)
✓ Fewer language barriers
✓ Direct contacts with key people during the entire process
✓ Location
✓ Ability to conduct a quality audit
✓ Travel – if an issue arises and an in-person meeting is necessary, domestic flights are:
1. Less expensive (for example: a week long trip to China costs roughly $6000 for airfare, hotel, and expenses)
2. Faster (I’ll take a 4 hour flight over a 12 hour flight any day!)
3. No jet lag
✓ Shipping
✓ Lower cost to ship domestically
✓ Avoid tariffs
✓ Avoid delays with customs
✓ Faster ship time
✓ Quality – because the United States has higher manufacturing and labor standards, you can rest easy knowing you are getting a quality product, made in a safe and clean environment from qualified workers.
✓ Intellectual property rights – again, rest easy because US law protects companies from their product being duplicated and produced if a trademark or patent is in place. Non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s) are also a common practice in the US to ensure your product details remain confidential.
There might be a difference in price between overseas and domestic manufacturing but the value controls the total cost of ownership!