Autogeek Microfiber idea.

"One of the more recent brands that has opted to outsource labor is Irwin tools. They have lost a loyal customer. I have destroyed almost every foreign made vise grip branded Irwin, on the first or second job the tools were used to perform. But when I use an older American made Irwin vise grip, it performs the hardest jobs as I expect them to do. Now, If I break Vise Grips, I opt for those sold by Snap-On, or MAC, or whichever company is still making them here, because I know the quality will be as I expect. Even though Irwin still offers a full warranty, if the tools won't do the hardest jobs anymore, so why continue to buy them? Because they are half, or even a third the price of the Snap-On, MAC, etc? If the foreign made produce is cheap alloy and flimsy, then it is still not going to do the job! It just won't!"

And this is why I have recently been going to a lot of garage and estate sales and buying up old, greasy, and sometimes rusty AMERICAN MADE TOOLS!
They are selling them for almost nothing and it's not that hard to clean and "DETAIL" them

Plus I just bought a Textronix Scope, dual trace and memory with all the original paperwork, probes, covers etc for $50.00 This scope was $6500.00 new back in the 80's
And some of us old farts still like to actually fix and design stuff. And yes, I did have to do a little "tune up" on the scope. Dirty pots, noisy switches, that kind of stuff.
 
nyc said:
I'm glad to see that there are reasonable thinking ppl here.
Click to expand...

+100 Bob's statement was dumb. The US would be a better place if there were fewer peole like him here (no, unlike him, I'm not going to wish them away with those "immigrants" that he is so fond of mentioning).
 
FUNX725 said:
Why not try DF Concours AlpineFiber3 Cotton Microfiber Towels.....They are made in the USA!


Sorry, OP....A little off topic, but it was brought up in an earlier post

The USA....still the greatest country in the world....where the greatest, most skilled workers live. Too bad some don't think so....Too bad those who don't, won't leave. This would allow those untold millions of out-of-work Americans whose jobs went offshore a better opportunity to find gainful employment with livable wages/benefits.

Those who don't think so can leave and join up with the millions of immigrant wannabe's; those wannabe immigrants that come from those depressed wages and benefits countries where our American jobs were shipped off to; those who pray for the liberties afforded here in the USA, those wannabe immigrants imploring to enter these hallowed grounds!!! Please join them, those who think otherwise of the USA, its workers, and the products we Americans produce! :)

Bob
Click to expand...

What an ignorant, idiotic thing to say!! If your blaming immigrants for "stealing" American jobs you are wrong! Look at the jobs immigrants perform before you say stupid things! Immigrants usually perform meager jobs that AMERICANS!!! don't want to do, to include myself. They pay them a fraction of the wage they would a US citizen. I'm sure that as patriotic as you are BOB! you buy nothing but all USA Made products, nothing from china in your home, which I really doubt because I know people like you that make the same types of comments. Those usually end up being the cheapes most uptight people that don't ever give anymoney away to charity or contribute to society. So next time before you open your mouth, do some research and maybe you won't sound so dumb!
 
This thread will probably be locked fairly soon.
 
Historically, great societies have been built on the backs of slave labor and the US is no less guilty of this than any other society. Sometime back around the time of the US civil war we saw the error of our ways. At least for agricultural slavery.

Keeping folks tied down to their poverty level is easy in countries where the poverty level is better than the starved to death level. I suggest that a cheap labor force is effectively the same as slavery.

But moreso, I feel that what enables industry to economically move from the US to foregn countries is that, most times, those countries have no regard for the environment or workers rights & benefits even outside of wages.

In this country, we decided along time ago we wanted clean air, clean water, safe work environments and some modicum of dignity "on the job".

Now we find ourselves in the uneviable position that those very things our ancestors fought so hard to accomplish are the very same things biting us in the ass. We've no one to blame but ourselves.

You can't even blame the companies. They're only doing the things they feel they need to to maximize their profits which is the purpose of business. You can't blame a dog for being a dog. But, you can put a leash on it!
 
I think America still makes some good stuff.. Not a heck of a lot but some.. There are some things i think of the best best from certain countries like Germany for precision & quality.

With Walmart owning the world, we will continue to have the problem of cheap quality & cheap goods.
 
rolop6 said:
What an ignorant, idiotic thing to say!! If your blaming immigrants for "stealing" American jobs you are wrong! Look at the jobs immigrants perform before you say stupid things! Immigrants usually perform meager jobs that AMERICANS!!! don't want to do, to include myself. They pay them a fraction of the wage they would a US citizen. I'm sure that as patriotic as you are BOB! you buy nothing but all USA Made products, nothing from china in your home, which I really doubt because I know people like you that make the same types of comments. Those usually end up being the cheapes most uptight people that don't ever give anymoney away to charity or contribute to society. So next time before you open your mouth, do some research and maybe you won't sound so dumb!
Click to expand...

By reading, and then actually trying to comprehend my post, one would realize that: I never stated that immigrants stole American jobs, jobs you stated Americans won't do. Rather I stated that there are millions of people around this world that are wanting to come to America, (but probably can't for a myriad of reasons)...that's the "immigarant wannabes" I was referrencing.

America as I once knew it, where one generation always tried to ensure the betterment of the next upcoming generation, is slowly fading out of existance. (Many, many reasons for this). To me it's: Sad, but true.

If by my declaration of allegiance to my beloved country offends someone......So Be It! I sometimes take the opportunity to say and do so, even when it's not compulsory. But, I also remember that, because it is America, (and without resorting to name-calling), those who feel otherwise enjoy the same privilege.

Back to the OP's question:

Microfiber towels that are made from polyester(a plastic)/polyamidides(trade name nylon) combination, IMO, means there are materials present that will scratch, even if it is at a microscopic level. Which means to me, extra care should be taken when "rubbing" any of these towels across vehicles' surfaces, especially paint..

Overseas operations, however involved in MF towels production, the vendors that buy and sell their products, and their Quality Control efforts, have a lot to do with the value (scratching potential, and what that entails---among other factors), and therefore pricing, of these towels. I try to buy MF towels and other supplies from reputable vendors, ones that have an excellent return policy if I'm dissatisfied with my purchases. For example: Recently AGO faced a QC problem with some MF towels and resolved that issue forthwith.

I have taken the liberty to post this. But, if the above sounds dumb, ignorant, idiotic, and offensive to some...So be it, then, although I feel otherwise. :)

Bob
 
I think people are ignorant but not the people that a certain poster is calling ignorant. When money leaves the country it is not good for our country, we cannot sustain our current level of living. Free trade is OK if done on an even playing field. Most Asian markets are or have been heavily protected (i.e. American goods are not allowed in). Some are even subsidized giving them an unfair advantage.

I read people say that certain vehicles are produced in the US trying to make it sound OK but do not confuse assembly with all of the parts that make up a vehicle or developing a vehicle. The money that they make here does not stay here and does not help our future.

A lot of US citizens are OK with the US losing jobs (i.e. buying foreign products) until it is their job that it lost.
 
Last edited:
I think microfiber can be produced affordably in the U.S. That company, however, would have an uphill battle to fight. There are many microfiber brands in the U.S. and a U.S. based firm would need to find a way to distinguish themselves enough to stay in business. Their pitch would undoubtedly have to center around their attributes other brands would not have, Made in the USA and hopefully a corresponding increase in quality as well.

Also, not all companies export manufacturing to maintain or lower the cost of goods. Sometimes it's just to increase profits (by lowering expenses), to appease investors (the true owners) at the expense of American jobs.
 
kronos said:
I think microfiber can be produced affordably in the U.S. That company, however, would have an uphill battle to fight. There are many microfiber brands in the U.S. and a U.S. based firm would need to find a way to distinguish themselves enough to stay in business. Their pitch would undoubtedly have to center around their attributes other brands would not have, Made in the USA and hopefully a corresponding increase in quality as well.

Also, not all companies export manufacturing to maintain or lower the cost of goods. Sometimes it's just to increase profits (by lowering expenses), to appease investors (the true owners) at the expense of American jobs.
Click to expand...

I agree, Kronos. I think there has been a growing group of people that have been paying attention to where their goods are made, and buy American made for both the quality and to support jobs. I think the pitch could be Made in U.S.A., and quality to boot, or your money back. I don't know. As long as the quality is up to par of other American made goods, they should sell themselves.
 
Ted S. said:
I agree, Kronos. I think there has been a growing group of people that have been paying attention to where their goods are made, and buy American made for both the quality and to support jobs. I think the pitch could be Made in U.S.A., and quality to boot, or your money back. I don't know. As long as the quality is up to par of other American made goods, they should sell themselves.
Click to expand...

:iagree: It's not a habit for me to check where a product was made before I buy, although I am trying to make it one, but when I'm browsing for goods and I see in bold letters "Made in U.S.A.", I tend to favor it over foreign made alternatives. So if an American company began selling American made microfiber within a reasonable price range and quality of their competition, I would definitely consider them.
 
kronos said:
:iagree: It's not a habit for me to check where a product was made before I buy, although I am trying to make it one, but when I'm browsing for goods and I see in bold letters "Made in U.S.A.", I tend to favor it over foreign made alternatives. So if an American company began selling American made microfiber within a reasonable price range and quality of their competition, I would definitely consider them.
Click to expand...

Just be careful with that Made in USA whe going to some sites. I bought some Proto Torx screwdrivers because multiple sites touted them as made in U.S.A., and I was a bit dissapointed that they were made in England. They aren't bad, and they perform well, I just don't like being lied to like that.
 
I never check where something is made. If it's made in the USA that's great, but if it's made somewhere else, that's great too.

catfish07 said:
With Walmart owning the world, we will continue to have the problem of cheap quality & cheap goods.
Click to expand...

Let's not forget that Walmart saves millions and millions of people money every single day by providing lower prices which means a better life. Why are we attacking walmart? Last time I checked, there are hundreds of stores selling the same exact products walmart is, but at higher prices. Walmart doesn't make companies make products, you as well as every other consumer does. How a bout you make a $5,000 napkin and see how well it sells? Get my point here?

Let's also not forget the 1.5 million+ jobs walmart is providing. Some of them might be out of a job if it wasn't for Walmart, but that's okay right? We just want Walmart to die for some reason regardless if they are saving millions of people money and providing millions of people jobs. You see Walmart doesn't survive because they have an awesome name and a great color scheme. They survive because consumers vote that they like Walmart better than any other place. So while you are complaining that walmart will own the world, let's just keep in mind the millions walmart is helping every single day.
 
While reading this thread I had a thought. If something is not made to your standards you have two options: complain about it, or return it and buy something else.

This stems from the idea that maybe the issue is not necessarily where the good is made, but the quality standard that company holds themselves to. It is unfortunate that Irwin is now not the same quality it used to be, but the bigwigs that make the money don't really care, because now they can sell more at a cheaper price.

I believe we are as much at fault as the countries and companies employing the children and paying near-slave wages. Why? Because as a society we buy it and wonder why it doesn't last!!! Then, rather than buy a higher-quality good that will last generations, I have seen people go back and buy another cheap one!!

I guess looking for the "Made in USA" is one way to avoid the risk of ever going through that cycle. But believe me, there are companies making products here that I would not be proud of, so maybe location isn't everything.
 
maximus20895 said:
I never check where something is made. If it's made in the USA that's great, but if it's made somewhere else, that's great too.



Let's not forget that Walmart saves millions and millions of people money every single day by providing lower prices which means a better life. Why are we attacking walmart? Last time I checked, there are hundreds of stores selling the same exact products walmart is, but at higher prices. Walmart doesn't make companies make products, you as well as every other consumer does. How a bout you make a $5,000 napkin and see how well it sells? Get my point here?

Let's also not forget the 1.5 million+ jobs walmart is providing. Some of them might be out of a job if it wasn't for Walmart, but that's okay right? We just want Walmart to die for some reason regardless if they are saving millions of people money and providing millions of people jobs. You see Walmart doesn't survive because they have an awesome name and a great color scheme. They survive because consumers vote that they like Walmart better than any other place. So while you are complaining that walmart will own the world, let's just keep in mind the millions walmart is helping every single day.
Click to expand...

Well what Walmart does is debatable IMO - I saw a movie thru Netflix called
"Walmart - the high cost of low prices" - it really makes you think. I highly recommend it.
 
I've seen it. All I can say is it's biased like every other documentary I've seen. Don't believe everything you here and take a step back and really understand if some of the stuff makes sense or not.
 
maximus20895 said:
I never check where something is made. If it's made in the USA that's great, but if it's made somewhere else, that's great too.



Let's not forget that Walmart saves millions and millions of people money every single day by providing lower prices which means a better life. Why are we attacking walmart? Last time I checked, there are hundreds of stores selling the same exact products walmart is, but at higher prices. Walmart doesn't make companies make products, you as well as every other consumer does. How a bout you make a $5,000 napkin and see how well it sells? Get my point here?

Let's also not forget the 1.5 million+ jobs walmart is providing. Some of them might be out of a job if it wasn't for Walmart, but that's okay right? We just want Walmart to die for some reason regardless if they are saving millions of people money and providing millions of people jobs. You see Walmart doesn't survive because they have an awesome name and a great color scheme. They survive because consumers vote that they like Walmart better than any other place. So while you are complaining that walmart will own the world, let's just keep in mind the millions walmart is helping every single day.
Click to expand...

maximus20895 said:
I've seen it. All I can say is it's biased like every other documentary I've seen. Don't believe everything you here and take a step back and really understand if some of the stuff makes sense or not.
Click to expand...

Yes a lot of documentaries are bias and are trying to make a point BUT, that doesn't mean some points are not true or valid.
 
Lets get back on topic. I would really be interested to see what the Autogeek Associates think.Feed back please
 
maximus20895 said:
Right, but just do your own judgement that's all I'm saying.
Click to expand...

I agree and IMO Walmart is not doing the right thing, they are a company that literally makes BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars yet they don't pay their workers enough to get by on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top