10 Benefits of Buying Made-in-the-USA Promotional Products

By Jim Hollis 

Choosing where you purchase your promotional products from is often just as important as the products themselves. Investing in American manufacturers is essential to the growth of the promotional products industry, and we’ve outlined 10 benefits buying USA-made promo will have on your brand.

1. Support the Local Economy
   First and foremost, buying American-made products pumps money back into the U.S. economy and directly impacts small businesses in your backyard. Selecting these items not only maintains American jobs (and even creates new ones), it also stabilizes local communities by fostering organic economic growth, all through the promotional products supply chain.
2. Ensure High-Quality Standards
   Products manufactured in the USA are usually held to higher standards compared to those made overseas. Paying a premium for superior-quality promo products that are durable and built to last will reflect well on your brand and prove to your customer base that you’re a trustworthy business partner.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
   Turning your focus on sustainably made promo and securing high-quality products often go hand in hand – products of high quality last much longer than cheaply made ones, leading to less waste. This is especially apparent when it comes to apparel, as fashion production is responsible for nearly 10% of global emissions, according to Business Insider. Avoiding the temptations of fast fashion items made overseas in lieu of American-made apparel made from 100% organic materials will reduce your carbon footprint.

The benefits don’t stop there. Quality promos are also held onto longer by end-users, expanding the life of the product so it collects more impressions. Additionally, working with local businesses requires much less transportation for shipping, further reducing emissions. This leads into our next point …

4. Fast Turnaround Times
   Since working with USA companies puts you in much closer proximity with your business partners, you’ll be dealing with much faster production and shipping times. Reduced lead times also equates to more flexibility for managing inventory, reordering and much more.

Accommodating overseas rush orders will be very difficult, and when they are possible, they’ll be prohibitively expensive. If you need promotional items quickly for time-sensitive events or campaigns, your only option is to count on the fast turnaround times of domestic businesses.

5. Promote Fair Labor Practices
   Many overseas manufacturers employ illegal labor practices, including child labor, to increase their profit margins. If your company becomes associated with these immoral practices just to save a few bucks, your reputation will become permanently tarnished.

American manufacturers are held to strict labor laws designed to protect workers with competitive wages and safe working conditions. By choosing USA-made products, you can feel good about supporting fair labor practices and rest easy knowing that your direct support helps American workers.

6. Showcase Your Patriotic Spirit
   While supporting American-made products brings countless benefits on your bottom line, it also instills a sense of pride in your customer base as you invest in the future of America with your business decisions.

Boasting a patriotic sentiment is a great marketing strategy as well – the “Made in the USA” moniker has an uncanny ability to draw in new business. In fact, 53% of consumers have a more favorable impression of USA-made products than those made elsewhere, according to ASI.

7. Prioritize Product Safety
   Similar to their labor standards, the USA is extremely rigorous with its manufacturing safety protocols, which are put in place to greatly reduce the risk of encountering hazardous materials or manufacturing defects. This is particularly important for items intended for children.

Supporting American manufacturers is your company’s emphatic endorsement on product safety.

8. More Choices
   When it comes to making the perfect choice for your brand, American manufacturers give you the most flexibility in terms of product options, colors, features, imprint methods, customization and so much more. If you want your product to turn out exactly as you envision it, it’s best to do your business Stateside.
9. Encourage Innovation
   Investing in American-made products supports industries that are on the cutting edge of technological advances and sustainable practices. This not only fosters innovation but also keeps your products modern, relevant and on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
10. Enhance Your Brand Image
    Because of the positive effects we’ve laid out for investing in American companies, aligning your brand with USA-made products will improve your public image. You’ll align your business with quality, reliability and ethical practices, which will strengthen customer loyalty and attract new clients who value the same philosophy.

Choosing made-in-the-USA products is just one way to heat up summer sales. ASI has all the fresh promo ideas you need to associate your brand with fun in the sun in our latest infographic, 10 Fun Summer Promos.