As a small business owner/operator for almost 20 years (started when I was a mere 19,) I am a huge supporter of small business. From services to goods. When I tell people to support our economy by seeking out American made goods, I get the same responses:
- Too hard to find
- Too Expensive
- Quality Inferior
With the advent of the internet, American made goods are NOT hard to find. Small brick and mortar boutiques are NOT the only places you can find quality, handmade goods right here. You can find them from google and other "middle men" such as eBay, Etsy, Live Deal, Etc. You can also find them at holiday craft fairs.
When you price out the goods, you will find that the prices are comparable to foreign made products with superior quality. You can get holiday ideas from internet middlemen like I mentioned and then google the product and find many more to be found on their own site. When shopping on the internet and purchasing from little known boutiques you can find customer service superior to that of large retailers. For folks (like me) who get hives from shopping in large crowds, the internet shopping experience can be quite pleasant.
When shopping on the internet make sure you ask questions and verify the authenticity:
If you have to see, feel our touch your item prior purchasing, check out local holiday fairs. Some notable larger craft fairs in the local Las Vegas Area for the 2007 holiday season:
I personally love to create my own presents as I am an avid quilter and accomplished seamstress. I used to buy American made vintage materials (such as old bedspreads that have lasted decades and will last many more decades. I reinforced the seams by double and triple stitching. Some gifts I gave at baby showers literally brought people to tears! If you would like to learn how to create your own gifts, many large retailers offer classes and do it yourself online guides & message boards:
I had one of these online stores and my customers were so fabulous! If you find the right vendors, I think you will be pleased with the level of customer service, prices and the quality of your item you are purchasing! Just remember to do your research when you are purchasing online.
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