As many as 70 percent of Americans prefer American products. This means that the preference for buying relevant cuts across party lines.
At the end of the day, preferring made in the USA products isn't a political statement—it's just practical. USA-made products come with a quality guarantee, support American businesses, and are more likely to come from well-paid labor.
But while almost all of us love USA-made products, it can sometimes be hard to find products made on our native turf. How do you do it?
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to help you support American businesses.
Downsize
If you want to consistently buy American products, you're going to have to shop with fewer big businesses and more small ones. Big businesses are far more likely to outsource their manufacturing to other parts of the world.
While there are some big businesses that base themselves in the U.S., you can never tell quite what a big business is concealing.
Small businesses are more likely to be run by people just like you who care about quality over quantity when it comes to production—and they're not always even that small! Due to the rules regarding referring to a business as a "small business," an extremely high amount of businesses are considered such.
While small businesses are harder to find, they're more likely to do a good job creating a product you'll love. They'll listen to exactly what you want and will dedicate their time to satisfying you.
You're also far more likely to have a personal relationship with a small business than a large one. They'll start to recognize you and understand what you like and how you like it, saving you a ton of time and effort.
Small businesses are also far more likely to care about American interests. When you shop with them, you know you'll be supporting a good cause. Just check out the products supplied by the Patriot Box.
Buy Less
One of the biggest shifts in attitude you'll have to take when moving over to small business is the shift from quantity to quality. Small businesses are more likely to charge more for specialized products that you won't need to replace.
We'll admit that one of the strongest criticisms of American culture is that it's highly disposable. Indeed, our commitment to innovation and convenience has sometimes led the members of our country to not appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creation.
However, there's an even stronger current that's been running through American culture even longer. That's the current of dedicated creators who focus on quality over quantity; who build their products to last.
When you shift over to a small business, you might have to pay more, but buy less. Investing in quality means investing in products that won't have to replace because they won't wear down or break nearly as easily.
When you commit to buying less, you also figure out exactly what it is that you need. You're less likely to buy first and ask questions later.
Read Labels
You probably are going to have to go to the supermarket to buy some products. To stick to shopping American, make sure you read labels and read them carefully. Read them carefully so that you're not deceived—a product that says it was "assembled in America" was likely made somewhere else.
Do some research before you head to the market. Which brands for sure make their products in America? Knowledge is power when it comes to patriotism.
On top of that, you can go to supermarkets that carry products by lesser-known brands, such as Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. These markets are still supermarkets but are committed to providing a unique experience—which often means supporting local bands.
Go to Farmer's Markets
... You might be able to avoid supermarkets after all. If you live in or near a city, there might just be a regular farmers market near you. They're more popular than ever and a great way to shop!
Farmer's markets are popular DIY events where local American businesses can sell their products. You'll often find delicious foods, handmade appliances, clothing, and baked goods at these farmer's markets. While you can't use a farmer's market for everything, you're far more likely to find American products there than at the supermarket; replace part of your supermarket routine with a farmer's market run and you'll be sure to shop American.
Get Savvy
After you incorporate the above practices into your shopping, you'll likely develop a certain amount of expertise at finding American products. Make sure you keep your eyes out so that you can learn and grow in your American shopping journey.
The situation might seem difficult now, if you start now, very soon you could be calling up your new favorite businesses to have products shipped to you, change your buying habits so that you can support American businesses, and traveling to local farmer's markets to buy foods/ local restaurants to read.
Ask Your Friends
If all else fails, it can never hurt to ask your patriotic friends which businesses they shop with. The businesses world is all about connections and person-to-person interactions. Sometimes, a great business might be sitting right under your nose, waiting for you to discover it.
You can also see which hobbies your friends keep. If you have friends that woodwork, create art or music, bake, cook, run businesses that deal with money, etc, you might be able to do business with them to make sure that you're shopping American.
Shop For the Best American Products
As you can see, there are more options for shopping American than most people realize. It all comes down to shifting your approach to shopping. Rather than simply heading out and finding the most convenient products, spend time looking for the best American products.
Dedicate more time to shopping, and you're likely to improve your patriotism and quality of life.
For more information on buying American, contact us today.