Why don't reviews ever mention where the product is made?

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
Wool products-UK and Ireland
Cutlery-UK, Germany, Japan(high end), USA
Work clothes-USA and ?
Footwear- USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain
Mechanical things- Germanic countries, USA

Mark's Work Wearhouse is a Canadian company that carries many Canadian made brands of work clothes, work shoes and accessories. They ship internationally.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Mark's Work Wearhouse is a Canadian company that carries many Canadian made brands of work clothes, work shoes and accessories. They ship internationally.

I'll look into them. I'm always looking for Carhartt alternatives. Filson used to make some very nice high $ durable clothes. They're gone the Eddie Baur route, and now a ton of their stuff is foreign made. That's a load of crap too. Their clothes cost as much as nice business attire. If I'm going to pay a premium price, I expect my money to go to Americans :^/

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: lxskllr
Wool products-UK and Ireland
Cutlery-UK, Germany, Japan(high end), USA
Work clothes-USA and ?
Footwear- USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain
Mechanical things- Germanic countries, USA

Mark's Work Wearhouse is a Canadian company that carries many Canadian made brands of work clothes, work shoes and accessories. They ship internationally.

False, I'm a regular at Mark's Work Warehouse and as is my dad. I buy there because they have big sizes, but most of the stuff is made in China, I'd say 80 %.

 

[DVad3r]

The only company I see that is still somewhat Canadian is Roots.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: DVad3r


False, I'm a regular at Mark's Work Warehouse and as is my dad. I buy there because they have big sizes, but most of the stuff is made in China, I'd say 80 %.

Sigh... :^(

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: TallBill
Because we assume China

Why does it matter? It's either up to spec or not. If the manufacturer has a good rep, why do you care where their employees happened to be born?

I think this was an acceptable rebuttal until the last few years when seemingly every children's toy or processed food product out of China was contaminated with lead or melamine or plastic pellets, etc. All these items were presumably "up to spec" in the eyes of the manufacturer, but the fault was with dishonest Chinese producers. Passing inspection is nice, but let me tell you, there's plenty of Hot Dog joints in Chicago that I'd never eat at, no matter how many Health Certificates they have hanging behind the counter.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: TallBill
Because we assume China

Why does it matter? It's either up to spec or not. If the manufacturer has a good rep, why do you care where their employees happened to be born?

False, products aren't made to spec as they used to be. I remember in the early 90's you would buy a Sony product like a TV and the thing would last you a million years, I'm still using a 1989 Sony TV in my house that runs just perfectly. I've known several people that have bought plasma's/LCD's from Sony recently and they are total shit, made in Mexico or China, they burn out after a few years, and if you don't buy extended warranties you are screwed. Sony is def a brand that has this "high quality" reputation without actually all of their products being "high quality".

Saying stuff like "Up to Spec" is just stupid, anything, anywhere can be said to have been made that way, I don't believe it for one bit. No one is going to tell me a factory in China can pump out electronics with quality that is on par with one of Japan.

Also, just look at pricing of items and the countries where they are made. You are paying more for things made in the USA, Europe, Japan, etc than shit that is made in China or Taiwan or India, etc. I bought motorcycle boots that were made in Italy and paid 2-3 times the amount I would for buying ones that were made in China (and a shitload were). I am pretty confident though that my boots are good quality, and made by people who are paid descently and have some skills/passion in what they are doing.

As a consumer I want to know where my product is made, and I don't care about spending a little more money and supporting my own people. I think there are a lot of people in the same boat as me who would like to know where their products are made so they can make educated purchases.

If you look at a company like Harley-Davidson, about 15 % of their parts on a motorcycle come from oveseas. The bike is still made and assembled in the USA overall though. I've watched videos of people who work in the Harley plants and they seem like people who like what they do, are passionate, and make a good product. Imagine transfering plant operations to China or Indian and having them make the bikes. Would they be passionate? Would it be the same quality product? Sure they can make it to spec, I can get a fuckin cooking recipe to spec from a TV show, but will my food be the same? Most likely not.

No way in hell most things out there are made to "spec". Same goes for other products, as individual nations, some of us are just better at making things than others, and that's the way the world is.

I wouldn't think American made China (tea cups and shit) would be on par with China from China? Fat greasy fingers crafting little engravings and details after eating a triple Whopper and fries? Yea

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: lxskllr
Wool products-UK and Ireland
Cutlery-UK, Germany, Japan(high end), USA
Work clothes-USA and ?
Footwear- USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain
Mechanical things- Germanic countries, USA

Mark's Work Wearhouse is a Canadian company that carries many Canadian made brands of work clothes, work shoes and accessories. They ship internationally.

False, I'm a regular at Mark's Work Warehouse and as is my dad. I buy there because they have big sizes, but most of the stuff is made in China, I'd say 80 %.

Damn, I didn't think the percentage was that high. Although I admit I go there infrequently.

Originally posted by: DVad3r
The only company I see that is still somewhat Canadian is Roots.

See my earlier post about MEC. I know a lot of their stuff is made in China now, but they still carry some Canadian made products.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: TallBill
Because we assume China

Why does it matter? It's either up to spec or not. If the manufacturer has a good rep, why do you care where their employees happened to be born?

I think this was an acceptable rebuttal until the last few years when seemingly every children's toy or processed food product out of China was contaminated with lead or melamine or plastic pellets, etc. All these items were presumably "up to spec" in the eyes of the manufacturer, but the fault was with dishonest Chinese producers. Passing inspection is nice, but let me tell you, there's plenty of Hot Dog joints in Chicago that I'd never eat at, no matter how many Health Certificates they have hanging behind the counter.

They were presumably "up to spec" because nobody was testing if they were actually up to spec. That is, at the very least, being fixed.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: lxskllr
Wool products-UK and Ireland
Cutlery-UK, Germany, Japan(high end), USA
Work clothes-USA and ?
Footwear- USA, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain
Mechanical things- Germanic countries, USA

Mark's Work Wearhouse is a Canadian company that carries many Canadian made brands of work clothes, work shoes and accessories. They ship internationally.

False, I'm a regular at Mark's Work Warehouse and as is my dad. I buy there because they have big sizes, but most of the stuff is made in China, I'd say 80 %.

Damn, I didn't think the percentage was that high. Although I admit I go there infrequently.

Originally posted by: DVad3r
The only company I see that is still somewhat Canadian is Roots.

See my earlier post about MEC. I know a lot of their stuff is made in China now, but they still carry some Canadian made products.

Hmm yea. I go to Buffalo sometimes too and shop at Casual Male XL. Some of their stuff is made in Argentina, Columbia, Brazil, Mexico. I never see products from those places clothes wise here in Canada unless they are shoes.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: TallBill
Because we assume China

Why does it matter? It's either up to spec or not. If the manufacturer has a good rep, why do you care where their employees happened to be born?

False, products aren't made to spec as they used to be. I remember in the early 90's you would buy a Sony product like a TV and the thing would last you a million years, I'm still using a 1989 Sony TV in my house that runs just perfectly. I've known several people that have bought plasma's/LCD's from Sony recently and they are total shit, made in Mexico or China, they burn out after a few years, and if you don't buy extended warranties you are screwed. Sony is def a brand that has this "high quality" reputation without actually all of their products being "high quality".

So, what does country of origin have to do with it? Sony is letting their brand go to shit and reaping the consequences.

Saying stuff like "Up to Spec" is just stupid, anything, anywhere can be said to have been made that way, I don't believe it for one bit. No one is going to tell me a factory in China can pump out electronics with quality that is on par with one of Japan.

Tell that to ASUS.

Also, just look at pricing of items and the countries where they are made. You are paying more for things made in the USA, Europe, Japan, etc than shit that is made in China or Taiwan or India, etc. I bought motorcycle boots that were made in Italy and paid 2-3 times the amount I would for buying ones that were made in China (and a shitload were). I am pretty confident though that my boots are good quality, and made by people who are paid descently and have some skills/passion in what they are doing.

You're changing the argument. You said "It helps me make a good judgement call on whether the product truly lives up to spec" not "I have objections to working conditions in the third world" -- Chinese manufacturers can turn out a good product, but everyone goes there for cheap, not quality. Nothing to do with country of origin.

As a consumer I want to know where my product is made, and I don't care about spending a little more money and supporting my own people. I think there are a lot of people in the same boat as me who would like to know where their products are made so they can make educated purchases.

If you look at a company like Harley-Davidson, about 15 % of their parts on a motorcycle come from oveseas. The bike is still made and assembled in the USA overall though. I've watched videos of people who work in the Harley plants and they seem like people who like what they do, are passionate, and make a good product. Imagine transfering plant operations to China or Indian and having them make the bikes. Would they be passionate?

Who cares if they're passionate. I don't need keebler elves making my cookies either.

Would it be the same quality product? Sure they can make it to spec, I can get a fuckin cooking recipe to spec from a TV show, but will my food be the same? Most likely not.

If not, then you're not making itto spec, are you?

No way in hell most things out there are made to "spec". Same goes for other products, as individual nations, some of us are just better at making things than others, and that's the way the world is.

I wouldn't think American made China (tea cups and shit) would be on par with China from China? Fat greasy fingers crafting little engravings and details after eating a triple Whopper and fries? Yea

This is just silly. Americans can and do make fantastic china. Race has nothing to do with ability to make quality goods and that is exactly what you're claiming, although you're trying to dance around it.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: TallBill
Because we assume China

Why does it matter? It's either up to spec or not. If the manufacturer has a good rep, why do you care where their employees happened to be born?

False, products aren't made to spec as they used to be. I remember in the early 90's you would buy a Sony product like a TV and the thing would last you a million years, I'm still using a 1989 Sony TV in my house that runs just perfectly. I've known several people that have bought plasma's/LCD's from Sony recently and they are total shit, made in Mexico or China, they burn out after a few years, and if you don't buy extended warranties you are screwed. Sony is def a brand that has this "high quality" reputation without actually all of their products being "high quality".

So, what does country of origin have to do with it? Sony is letting their brand go to shit and reaping the consequences.

Saying stuff like "Up to Spec" is just stupid, anything, anywhere can be said to have been made that way, I don't believe it for one bit. No one is going to tell me a factory in China can pump out electronics with quality that is on par with one of Japan.

Tell that to ASUS.

Also, just look at pricing of items and the countries where they are made. You are paying more for things made in the USA, Europe, Japan, etc than shit that is made in China or Taiwan or India, etc. I bought motorcycle boots that were made in Italy and paid 2-3 times the amount I would for buying ones that were made in China (and a shitload were). I am pretty confident though that my boots are good quality, and made by people who are paid descently and have some skills/passion in what they are doing.

You're changing the argument. You said "It helps me make a good judgement call on whether the product truly lives up to spec" not "I have objections to working conditions in the third world" -- Chinese manufacturers can turn out a good product, but everyone goes there for cheap, not quality. Nothing to do with country of origin.

As a consumer I want to know where my product is made, and I don't care about spending a little more money and supporting my own people. I think there are a lot of people in the same boat as me who would like to know where their products are made so they can make educated purchases.

If you look at a company like Harley-Davidson, about 15 % of their parts on a motorcycle come from oveseas. The bike is still made and assembled in the USA overall though. I've watched videos of people who work in the Harley plants and they seem like people who like what they do, are passionate, and make a good product. Imagine transfering plant operations to China or Indian and having them make the bikes. Would they be passionate?

Who cares if they're passionate. I don't need keebler elves making my cookies either.

Would it be the same quality product? Sure they can make it to spec, I can get a fuckin cooking recipe to spec from a TV show, but will my food be the same? Most likely not.

If not, then you're not making itto spec, are you?

No way in hell most things out there are made to "spec". Same goes for other products, as individual nations, some of us are just better at making things than others, and that's the way the world is.

I wouldn't think American made China (tea cups and shit) would be on par with China from China? Fat greasy fingers crafting little engravings and details after eating a triple Whopper and fries? Yea

This is just silly. Americans can and do make fantastic china. Race has nothing to do with ability to make quality goods and that is exactly what you're claiming, although you're trying to dance around it.

Alright, enjoy your Chinese products sir, Ill avoid them when I can because they are crap

And are you kidding me? Of course people have to be passionate about what they make to make good products. Any high end product in the world has passionate people employed. They don't just hire a regular joe mechanic at Ferrari because he is certified and one of his 300 resumes sent happened to hit home. They take people who are passionate and have exceptional skills.

Obviously your standards of quality are pretty low.

 

[DVad3r]

And I've had numreous Asus products over the years some of which were shit (motherboards only in my experience). I will however say that their video cards are solid.

 

[JulesMaximus]

My helmet was made in Japan...as was my motorcycle. My boots were made in Italy and my next bike will be Italian too.

I'm not sure where my jacket (A*) or gloves (Dainese) were made. Probably some Asian country...I don't think it's China though.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
My helmet was made in Japan...as was my motorcycle. My boots were made in Italy and my next bike will be Italian too.

I'm not sure where my jacket (A*) or gloves (Dainese) were made. Probably some Asian country...I don't think it's China though.

My next bike will be American or German. Probably German

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
My helmet was made in Japan...as was my motorcycle. My boots were made in Italy and my next bike will be Italian too.

I'm not sure where my jacket (A*) or gloves (Dainese) were made. Probably some Asian country...I don't think it's China though.

My next bike will be American or German. Probably German

BMW? I was thinking about the F800-ST a while ago but it's a lot of money for not a lot of bike.

 

[Red Squirrel]

A large portion of stuff is made in china, the stuff that is not, has parts that are made in china. Often on a product it will say "assembled in Canada" but the actual parts were still made in China.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
My helmet was made in Japan...as was my motorcycle. My boots were made in Italy and my next bike will be Italian too.

I'm not sure where my jacket (A*) or gloves (Dainese) were made. Probably some Asian country...I don't think it's China though.

My next bike will be American or German. Probably German

BMW? I was thinking about the F800-ST a while ago but it's a lot of money for not a lot of bike.

Yea, that's not a lot of bike at all, you are better off with a Honda ST 1300. A Honda dealer near my house has brand new 2007 models for around the same price of a new F800-ST, they are still sitting in crates at the back.

And yea BMW, I love their touring bikes, the new K1300GT is awesome, but I also like the R1200RT, those Boxer engines are cool

If I was going for an Italian bike, Moto Guzzi has a nice touring bike also.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
My helmet was made in Japan...as was my motorcycle. My boots were made in Italy and my next bike will be Italian too.

I'm not sure where my jacket (A*) or gloves (Dainese) were made. Probably some Asian country...I don't think it's China though.

My next bike will be American or German. Probably German

BMW? I was thinking about the F800-ST a while ago but it's a lot of money for not a lot of bike.

Yea, that's not a lot of bike at all, you are better off with a Honda ST 1300. A Honda dealer near my house has brand new 2007 models for around the same price of a new F800-ST, they are still sitting in crates at the back.

And yea BMW, I love their touring bikes, the new K1300GT is awesome, but I also like the R1200RT, those Boxer engines are cool

If I was going for an Italian bike, Moto Guzzi has a nice touring bike also.

My friend had a BMW R1150R for about a year and a half. I rode it a couple times before he got rid of it and it's a nice bike. Very smooth and comfortable but heavy. He said he test rode one of their last generation R1200R's and it was much lighter and more powerful but god they are expensive.

He also had a Moto Guzzi but it was quite under-powered for the displacement it had (I think it was a 750). I never rode that bike though. I have ridden his Ducati GT1000 (his current bike).

 

[Beanie46]

Originally posted by: DVad3r
And I've had numreous Asus products over the years some of which were shit (motherboards only in my experience). I will however say that their video cards are solid.

The last two Asus video card purchases I've made show differently.....both failed within a couple of months, never OC'd, overvolted, nothing, just run stock.

A 3870 and a 4850.....and Asus RMA is horrible, at least for their video cards. Both cards I mentioned were RMA'd and both were simply returned in worse condition than was sent.....it was only upon doing the RMA process the second time for each did I get back a repaired or replaced card.

Personally, I'll never buy an Asus video card ever again.

 

[randay]

Originally posted by: Beanie46

Originally posted by: DVad3r
And I've had numreous Asus products over the years some of which were shit (motherboards only in my experience). I will however say that their video cards are solid.

The last two Asus video card purchases I've made show differently.....both failed within a couple of months, never OC'd, overvolted, nothing, just run stock.

A 3870 and a 4850.....and Asus RMA is horrible, at least for their video cards. Both cards I mentioned were RMA'd and both were simply returned in worse condition than was sent.....it was only upon doing the RMA process the second time for each did I get back a repaired or replaced card.

Personally, I'll never buy an Asus video card ever again.

i run into a lot of exploded caps across multiple brands.

 

[spaceman]

assume China and youll be right alot more than you are wrong

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: DVad3r
And I've had numreous Asus products over the years some of which were shit (motherboards only in my experience). I will however say that their video cards are solid.

I get the feeling that everyone will have varying experiences with their hardware. Personally, there is an Asus board in my work PC (5 years old) and my home PC (2 years old), neither of which have given me any problems.

 

[DVad3r]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Originally posted by: DVad3r
And I've had numreous Asus products over the years some of which were shit (motherboards only in my experience). I will however say that their video cards are solid.

I get the feeling that everyone will have varying experiences with their hardware. Personally, there is an Asus board in my work PC (5 years old) and my home PC (2 years old), neither of which have given me any problems.

Yup that's true, I've had many Asus boards. One I'm running in my media PC for 5 years now and it works good.

 

[lxskllr]

Robots make the electronics, so that kind of insulates electronics from the typical Chinese "craftsmanship".