Do you prefer to buy locally-produced products/items or well-known brands?

[Bilboes]

[buzzword]

I prefer to purchase locally manufactured products. Why? Because Americans generally produce better quality products that last much longer and endure far more abuse than most other nation's products in many areas of manufacturing. There are some exceptions where certain nations excel at specific products, but most of the time if it was made in America it will do the job well and last. There is very easy to see when you've been purchasing certain products from America that will last decades, and then you have to replace it so you buy another one from the same company. It looks pretty much the same, but it's manufactured in China, India, Vietnam, etc. and the fucking thing breaks in like a couple of months or a year. There is a drastic difference in quality when companies offshore production to save cost. I've never seen a product improve or even stay the same quality when companies outsource production. It always gets worse.

[buzzword]

The most recent product I can say that about is a pair of work boots. I purchased boots from a company that manufactures both in the USA and China. I bought a pair that was made in china and they delaminated and fell apart within 6 months under normal use. Then I got a pair from the same company that was made in the USA when they were on sale due to overstocking by a retail company. They ended up being like 75% of the price of the China manufactured pair, but they are now over a year old and they are for the most part working like they are brand new even under the same use pattern. They will probably last at least 3 to 5 years.

[TonyV]

If I can or if it's practical. Getting hard to find things not made it China anymore. I like the idea of only buying "made in america" but sometimes the USA options suck, like motorcycles, I'd rather have a honda or yamaha then spend 10 times as much on a silly antiquated harley, same for 4 wheelers I'd rather have the Japanese quads over the very expensive polaris, can ams and I think arctic cat?

[Anonymous]

Quality is hard and often surprising to find these days. The brand names and high price tags don't mean much anymore

[EmmaMary]

Definitely local, especially for grocery shopping.

[EmmaMary]

Thank you for the MHO.

[HawkPerception]

Never cared for brands in my life when it comes to clothes, shoes, and accessories. I hate getting something with a brand logo on it. I judge the quality and aesthetic myself.

I do admit that when it comes to food though, I'll go to restaurants that are recommended by others or well known. And when I'm buying groceries I do look for products with decent reviews or a good reputation.

[ohsheeT]

Well it depends on what you're talking about because there are times where you get what you pay for that's for sure but I do buy locally and I don't care if it's a brand name I just want good quality it's going to last

[exitseven]

I buy Made In USA products as much as possible. Every year it seems to get a little harder.

[bowenw]

I prefer to buy locally made products if the quality is good and they are competitively priced.

[LiamJHayden]

I try to avoid buying things from China and do pay more, often substantially more, for domestic-made products. I buy local produce.

[beefcakebradybatson]

If I know the local products, I'll try to buy them, but I more often buy the better-known brands.

[OddBeMe]

I like supporting small businesses. Especially organic, free range dairy/meat products.

[FenixG45]

For food, definitely local. Everything else, best value whether it's a brand or not.

[NathanDavis]

depends on what it is

[itsannalee]

Anything that has better quality

[happyfoetus]

Depends... Quality matters

[Alex-Snow]

Definitely. I do it whenever I can

[DrPepper12]

I buy what's effective and provides value.

[DtMe89]

Whatever's cheaper

[CubaPirate]

Local when talking about foodstuffs

[eagle1951]

local if i can

[Anonymous]

Dove