I’ve gone back and forth about writing this post, but I decided to document it. I tried to be respectful and I hope you see that. Edited to add: Please scroll down to read the mid-day update to this story.
Ryan feels strongly about buying American-made goods. That’s why he chooses to wear these tennis shoes, these work shoes (although you have to check the individual shoes to make sure) and these jeans. He likes to support businesses that still produce in America. It really boils down to that. Attempting to put more of our money back into these businesses instead of sending it overseas.
It’s why we often eat in local restaurants. Shop at local stores. Bank at a local credit union.
With that said, I also feel that I may single-handedly make it possible for Target to remain in business. (Joking. Sort of.) And, in case you haven’t noticed, not much is made in America at Target. Our sofa is from Ikea. I drive a Prius.
In other words, we don’t have the time, inclination, knowledge or budget to search out and buy all things made domestically. But, we do try. And, I think a lot of you may feel the same way.
However…. during our remodel, Ryan and I have made the conscious decision to try to buy things made in the United States when feasible. This means we are willing to spend a little more in some cases to buy American.
And, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that it’s difficult. But believe it or not, it’s actually a little simpler at the hardware store than other stores. We have been able to easily find lumber, tubs, sinks, etc., that are produced in the U.S. But, some things are more difficult.
So, when I was searching for light fixtures for the bath, we talked about finding something made in the U.S. and with a vintage feel. I ended up narrowing the search down to Rejuvenation, Schoolhouse Electric Co. and Barn Light Electric. All tout the fact that their fixtures are high quality and American-made. I read lots of good reviews about all three companies. So, I ended up finding great looking sconces from Barn Light Electric as mentioned in our last bathroom post.
I was really excited about these lovelies. And while not uber-expensive, they are certainly more expensive than our usual budget (read: cheap).
And, then they arrived. And imagine my surprise when Ryan asked, “Weren’t these supposed to be made in America?”
Kinda strange, since the box reads “Made in China.”
So, I headed back to the website, thinking I must have misread something. Maybe it just says certain fixtures are made domestically. But, right on the homepage, it says, “Why buy from us? Unlike our competition, we don’t manufacture overseas to save money.”
Hm.
So, I contacted the business. That’s what you should do, right?
Unfortunately, I started out the call feeling disappointed and confused. I ended the call livid. I’ve cooled down a bit, but the basic gist is that since I bought it in the clearance section, I should have read the copy on the landing page of the clearance section that reads, “Some of the lighting in this section has been imported and not manufactured in the U.S.A.”
It was very clear from his tone that this was my issue. Not his. No apologies. No pleasantries. No B.S.
So I went and checked it out. And, yes. It does say that (although I would argue that it’s really buried in the top image and few people would read it). And even so, it still strikes me as deceitful to keep it on a landing page. And because I actually came upon the listing from another blog, I never even saw the landing page. So, I suggested that the company would put the disclaimer ON the actual listing.
He hemmed. He hawwed.
So that means no.
The bottom line is that the entire buying process infuriated me. And apparently the clearance fixtures are not refundable. And since I really love the actual fixture and don’t want to go through the process of finding another one anyhow, that’s okay I guess.
But, the point is still there. I felt duped. And, still do. Even when I found the fine print.
So, fine. A company sells items that are imported. I guess in my mind it’s the point. The point that I could buy a fixture that was Made in China locally. For a third of the price. And know what I was buying. It’s about being transparent as a company.
Bottom line, I’ll be going to another company for the next lighting purchase. Which will be soon (read: this week). And I’m small potatoes, I get it. But, I’m still a potato, darn it. Right?
Edited to add:
Despite being small potatoes, I received a call from Donna Scott, owner and founder of Barn Light Electric after posting this. She was kind and apologetic about our issue. She explained that they run a small company and takes customer feedback seriously.
Donna offered to return the light, although I reiterated that I’d rather not go through the trouble to find another at this point. She explained again that they offer the clearance lights to appeal to customers who may like the style but cannot afford the U.S.-made versions. While my listing did not have a imported disclaimer, it should have and will have one soon. She also offered a discount on a future purchase, although Ryan and I have decided to shop elsewhere.
In short, I really appreciate the fact that the company cares. But, I did let her know that I question the fact that a company so focused on American-made products would offer imported goods, even as clearance items. She was nothing but kind and respectful and took my comments seriously. Thank you to Donna at Barn Light Electric for that. I let her know I’d be editing this post to add the fact that I received a response. I also let her know that this experience taught me some things as well.
So… What does this mean to you?
For those of us who want to buy American-made, we need to be vigilant. It’s not enough for it to be professed on the homepage of a website. The item itself should be marked. And if it’s not, you should contact the company and ask. (I’m getting in the habit of doing this. The few contacts I’ve made have been more than happy to tell me where the product was made. Transparency.)
At NewlyWoodwards, it’s not feasible or practical right now to buy everything American. Some things are just out of our reach or budget. Sometimes we just make the informed decision to buy something else. Some things we need RIGHT NOW and can’t take the time to research and buy it online. But, when it is possible in the future, we will definitely be more cautious about buying to ensure that product is what we expect.
And that’s what being an informed consumer is all about.
Sound off (but let’s be nice). Do you think that I am overreacting? Or have you ever felt duped by a company?
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Anonymous says
Glad you decided to write this post, I will try to buy made in America more often now.
Helen says
I feel the same way. I’m committed to buying items made in the US and support our local stores. When I was trying to shop for a floor lamp replacement, all the US made ones were at lest 300 bucks or more. I actually almost bought one, but ended up buying a used lamp off craigslist due to our budget limitations. I figured at least it’d be recycling and not putting money back to companies doing overseas manufacturing.
Companies are pretty sneaky nowadays so you have to do a lot of digging and researching to even find where it’s made. Some companies will even put our flag on the product even though it’s not made here, super frustrating. All else fails, I will contact the company to ask specifically where the item is made.
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. 5C says
You are awesome, and I’m so glad you stood up for yourself. I would have just been quietly pissy. 🙂
Anonymous says
Ok, most of you commenting are not very smart. To start with do you not think that even those companies that state American Made do not import some parts from China?
Give this company a break! It looks like they do make allot of lights in the USA, but sell some China lights for those who cannot afford American Made.
I bet most of you commenting would not open your wallet to purchase true American Made, but you sure do not mind expressing your negative views.
By the way, get a life and continue to purchase at Lowes and Home Depot where everything is MADE IN CHINA!
amber waves of grain says
Awesome that she responded to you… that is good follow-up.
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
I’m really glad you contacted them and handled it how you did. And thanks for making the post so respectful to the company while still standing strong. I hope you’ve helped them see that they’re undermining their own values by selling some products made overseas when loudly advertising they only sell American Made.
christi says
Kim – you have a right to feel duped but don’t let it ruin your great find. We buy American made, local as much as possible but we cannot be perfect because, well, everything isn’t always available Americanmade and local. It’s like my philosophy with using cloth napkins: it’s one of the things we do for the earth. Do I still use paper towels, sure. Do I recycle my wrapping paper, no. One small step is more than most people make.
Oonafey says
I would be absolutely and completely pissed off. Mr. is union, we don’t shop at WalMart, and he tries to buy American made when he can. Chippewa boots, a ford truck, and original Harley parts made domestically, etc. etc. I am not nearly as vigilant as I should be, but we do make an effort. I can’t imagine going to all that trouble to find the perfect American made lighting only to pick one (unknowingly) made in China. I think I would return them and ask her to give you another selection at a discounted price.
Melissa says
I definitely do not think you are overreacting. Your story has made me reconsidering buying from Barn Light Electric. One of the primary reasons I was interested in their store was because of the American made promise. To learn that is only true is some cases makes me doubt other statements from the company.
Next time Ryan is in the market for work boots you will want to look beyond Red Wing boots. They are just another company that has moved production from the United States to China. My husband used to buy all of his work boots from Red Wing. The last pair he bought had a made in China tag which he didn’t notice until he got home. He wrote a letter to the company expressing his disappointing but never heard back.
Leigh says
This is a very interesting post/topic and I’m glad you shared. While I think it is fantastic Donna contacted you (I wonder how she found the post), it doesn’t change the situation. If a company brags about American made, if they chose to stock non-American it should be made clear. I can’t say I’ve really researched the origin of a product, but I do try to eat at local places- especially when traveling.
-Kasey says
I for one do not think you are overreacting. What they did was deceiving. They advertise their company as ‘Oh look at us.. we are AMERICAN made’… yet they have a few fine prints buried in with a bunch of other babble to say that they [also] have imported items. The whole thing just stinks, especially for those specifics customers who truly want to buy ONLY American made. Like false advertisement almost.
I have skimmed through some of the comments and I agree. I would write a lengthy letter. Let them know, as a customer, how very disappointed you are with their company.
amber waves of grain says
I don’t feel like you are overreacting, and I commend you for doing your best to buy American. I think companies that consider themselves customer-oriented should be honest. It really frustrates me that American-made goods are more difficult to find, and often more expensive. Part of me understands, but there is part of me that is glad to just find what I am looking for at a reasonable price.
Lauren says
I don’t think you overreacted either! I am very impressed that you guys are buying all American. Way to go! Write a letter girl!
Allie says
Proud of you!
Emily says
Oh Kim! I’d feel duped, too. And it really grates on my nerves when you encounter bad customer service in this day and age. And I applaud you for writing this post – so many times I don’t write something becuase I don’t want to offend, but you know what? This is fascinating! I’m pro-buying American within reason. The fact of the matter is, I feel much safer in a Honda than I would in a Ford (lack of honestly behind so many recalls until major damage was done being the main reason there). So I drive a Honda. But I buy Thomas’s toys from American, eco, green companies when I can. Life’s a trade-off.
Leah says
i absolutely do not feel that you are overreacting. in fact i think you should write a personal letter to the head of the company, explaining that you made a decision to buy American-made, you THOUGHT you had found a company that would help you stick to this conviction, and that you feel duped after being mistaken based off of their “twisted truth” advertising. it’s not right. seek justice.
kim says
Kim, I feel you. Whether the issue is American made or something like “all natural” or “all proceeds benefit something awesome,” companies should do what they say they do – in the large print claims. I’m the same as you – I hold a grudge. And because I loudly recommend companies that I love – I’m not quiet about companies that have done me wrong.
LizzieBeth says
Kimbers, I’m behind you 100%.
I try very hard to buy as much American made products as possible. I like to keep our neighbors employed– hell, you are talking to the girl who refuses to use the self check out at stores!
I think it’s very admirable of you guys to really go as far as to call the company and complain. Thumbs up to you guys!
LB
Kim says
I too, try to shop American & I was SHOCKED that @ our favorite BIG BOX hardware store they were clueless as to which appliances were American made! I had to do my own research, then went back & educated them 🙂
good for you for posting your vent on here & getting atleast a phone call for apology!!
alexandjess says
I fully understand where you’re coming from! That sounds like a very frustrating exprience. While I don’t blame you for choosing to not shop with the company again, I think it’s impressive that the owner reached out to you. Many companies just wouldn’t bother with that sort of service anymore.
I hope the light fixture looks fantastic once you get it installed 🙂
Mrs. Chic says
I can understand where your coming from — I’ve bought items saying made in america only to later read it was assembled here parts from China! Like you we try to balance our buying local/green/usa with saving money on our budget so when this happens its annoying!
Stephanie says
Love it. Devin and I went through something similar when we were looking at foods we were eating. Just because they stamp it all natural doesn’t mean it is. Hate it.
Lucky Girl says
Like everyone else I do think you have a reason to be disappointed in this company. And I agree with others about the fact that a letter to the company is warranted. However, I think that when writing that letter you could make an effort to state that you are, in no way, looking for some sort of monetary reimbursement as a result of your complaint. Instead, you are simply hoping that the issue can be rectified for future customers. All too often, companies tend to disregard letters to the owner/operator as a simple search for freebies. When you state that this isn’t the intention, I think you get more attention to the actual issue at hand.
Kristen says
I definitely do not think you are overreacting. The website you were on should have made it more clear to the consumers! I feel the same way about trying to buy more American made products when possible and I would have been just as upset as you!
jen @ homeinthecountry says
I’d be super-mad, too. I hate hate HATE it when companies hide their policies/product info. It’s sneaky, and borderline dishonest. Also, the customer service is ridiculous… I mean, at least they should be polite about it.
You’re super-rad for buying American-made, local stuff. We’re slowly trying to do the same thing, when our budget & product availability allows.
Amanda- Hip House Girl says
You are not overreacting. If a customer as vigilant about buying American-made as you was easily mislead, then their disclaimer was not visible enough- plain and simple. And I think you were very respectful in this post. We all have to pick our battles and try to do good where we can, and buying American-made when you can is a great thing.
The Brick Cottage says
Forgive my misuse of “they’re”–I was so incensed that I didn’t proof read.
The Brick Cottage says
100% not overreacting! It really makes no sense to me–if a company clearly advertises that they’re products are made in America, why would their clearance section be any different? It sounds like what they’re doing is buying merchandise specifically for their clearance section which means it is not really clearance. They’re buying it at a reduced price but still giving it the same markups (I would assume) yet it appears to be clearance because of the reduced price compared to their regular products. I would be so angry! I used to be a buyer and this sounds so shady to me!
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
You are definitely NOT overreacting. You work hard for your money and go to a great deal of effort to spend your money in the way you think is best – to be thwarted in those efforts by a company that doesn’t really care, and that didn’t really try to be transparent would really tick me off. I’m sorry that happened!
carrie @ brick city love says
I don’t think you’re over reacting. You went out of your way to buy American and were misled.
And funny coincidence? I checked out the sconces on Barn Light Electric’s website that you linked to. In the randomly rotating footer at the bottom of the page, they have a “Why Buy From Us?” banner that updates every time you refresh the page. When I landed on your light, the reason that was showing was “#13 American-Made! All our Barn Lighting is American-Made and of top quality!”
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
I think it’s wonderful that you & Ryan strive to buy local/American. I’m sure it’s no easy task.
I think a letter to the head of the company is a great idea. You never know what kind of change you can inspire.
Michael - Innkeeper says
i agree with you 100%. you are right to feel the way you do.
i also agree with leah in the fact that you should write a letter to the president of the company. even if you are not looking to return the fixtures or get money back. i think it’s important. sadly the operator you spoke with has little decision power. but the president or ceo .. they have the power, and, at the very least, owe you a pretty big apology.
i’ve written several letters to the presidents of companys (verizon, dell, etc.) and i felt so much better after i did. i hear back from each company with apologies too.
and a big congrats to you and ryan for buying locally. i try to do the same with the items i sell in my gift shoppe. but it’s so hard. and sadly i’m in a location where people aren’t going to pay extra just because it’s made in the us. so sad.
Shannon says
Although I would love to be someone even half as committed as you guys to buying American, the thought of trying to do so is daunting…especially on a budget. And with kid’s crap? Ugghh I don’t even want to think about it.
But what I am committed to is demanding good customer service. I’ve worked for enough different companies, big and small, to know that they need to try to keep ALL potatoes happy. It’s like rule numero uno when it comes to running a business. And if the company isn’t smart enough to know this then they deserve to be confronted about it and have their faults aired publicly.
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow what a great post, I’m glad you went through with it. Mr. Arkansas and I try to by american made whenever possible. I’m glad you told me about this company as I will steer clear of them.
Transparency seems to be a problem every where doesn’t it?