Off to China

Deeman · 02-13-2008, 08:59 PM

Ok boys, I am off to China, Friday through next Sunday but heading to Portland thursday night. I am Attending ChinaFish just to see who is knocking off my stuff, and to meet with a few manufacturers. If anyone has any requests now would be the time to get them in. Just thought I would offer.

Salty Walty · 02-13-2008, 09:06 PM

Have a great trip.

skein · 02-13-2008, 09:19 PM

Yes, Deeman, I have a request. Don't take any more American ingenuity to China.

I have a lot of respect for you, so don't take this as a slam or anything, but personally I'm sick and tired of everything I buy having a "Made in China" sticker.

We can make it here. We can make it good. And we love America. China doesn't.

My name is Jim Crotts and I approve these statements.

Skein

Eaglecap · 02-14-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skein

Yes, Deeman, I have a request. Don't take any more American ingenuity to China.

I have a lot of respect for you, so don't take this as a slam or anything, but personally I'm sick and tired of everything I buy having a "Made in China" sticker.

We can make it here. We can make it good. And we love America. China doesn't.

My name is Jim Crotts and I approve these statements.

Skein

My feelings exactly. This also is not meant to bash or slam you in any way.

Sincerly,
Jack Sauer

Reel Obsession · 02-14-2008, 11:14 AM

Thank you for that Skein. Worst part was that until you pointed it out, it didn't even cross my mind that maybe we should be asking first what can be done here. Maybe that was done in that case, who knows. I just hate to see a Walmart go up on every corener, filled with imported goods.

Deeman · 02-14-2008, 12:15 PM

Thanks for taking it easy on me, I realize it is an easy subject to slam and I appreciate the fact that you guys didnt take the easy cheap shots. Believe me I have looked at onshore manufacturing, before we made the decision to go overseas I felt like a fish on a hook twisting to find someway out. But the reality is this, simply, to build my product in the U.S. if I took a 50% cut in my manufacturing margin I could get it made for what my current wholesale price is. If I stopped all advertising and marketing activities, and got the distributors and retailers to cut their margins by 20 to 30% I could retail my product for exactly twice what it is currently in stores for. That means that a 12.00 flasher would need to sell for 24.00 dollars and I would be making 1/2 of the money I do now if I could sell the same number at that price. The disparity in manufacturing cost is linked to a plethora of factors none of which change the fact that the disparity is to great to overlook. Offshore manufacturing for my product is not simply a matter of greater profits it is the difference between being in business or not existing. Again thanks for taking it easy on me. Don

Reel Obsession · 02-14-2008, 01:54 PM

Don,

I understand the cost model and don't believe it to be a problem an individual manufacturer can address unless he/she is in a very unique (i.e. - no competition) market. Seems to me that the "fix" would take a balancing act between import taxes leveling the playing field on foreign imported products, and tax breaks/incentives when work stays in the states. Not unlike incentives/taxes working against our exports. That might mean that every flasher by every company would be $24, but it might allow someone in your position to make Made in USofA decisions, and produce locally.

Tim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deeman

Thanks for taking it easy on me, I realize it is an easy subject to slam and I appreciate the fact that you guys didnt take the easy cheap shots. Believe me I have looked at onshore manufacturing, before we made the decision to go overseas I felt like a fish on a hook twisting to find someway out. But the reality is this, simply, to build my product in the U.S. if I took a 50% cut in my manufacturing margin I could get it made for what my current wholesale price is. If I stopped all advertising and marketing activities, and got the distributors and retailers to cut their margins by 20 to 30% I could retail my product for exactly twice what it is currently in stores for. That means that a 12.00 flasher would need to sell for 24.00 dollars and I would be making 1/2 of the money I do now if I could sell the same number at that price. The disparity in manufacturing cost is linked to a plethora of factors none of which change the fact that the disparity is to great to overlook. Offshore manufacturing for my product is not simply a matter of greater profits it is the difference between being in business or not existing. Again thanks for taking it easy on me. Don

corrirod · 02-14-2008, 02:00 PM

Thanks for taking the time to explain Don, most would not.

Much like Real O. said, it comes down to the consumer spending more $$ for the product made in the US. And that's pretty easy for someone to say they'll do until they've had to do it at $8 an hour.

Chug · 02-14-2008, 02:33 PM

I hope, they are Eviro friendly when they make it?. & paid well & have good healthy work enviroment.

Make sure NO LEAD PAINT!!.. Or toxic metals used... When product is returned to the Clean Fresh waters of the Northwest does not harm Our Fish & water supply. The fish are stressed enough..

Enjoy the flight.. bring a book to read!!.

Threemuch · 02-14-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chug

Make sure NO LEAD PAINT

Seriously? You are worried about the use of lead in the game of fishing?

Bejing, right? Have fun, try to experience some of the culture. Touring through temples and buildings that aren't ruins and are more than 2000 years old is a humbling experience.

SecondSeason · 02-17-2008, 02:54 PM

no lead now that is funny. lets see downrigger balls 15 lbs of lead, jig heads for tuna and rock fish 1-3 oz of lead. being a Greeny from Oregon priceless.

and your woried about a little lead in the plastic rather than how many pieces of plastic we leave in the water when fishing. i know its in vogue right now but i think its time to put down the Gore book and take a deep breath and just use a bit of common sense.

though i suppose if you launch in oregon then your a green fisherman..?

give it a break.... let him have his lures made in china at low cost so we can buy them cheaper and their country will be screwed up not ours.

black magic · 02-17-2008, 03:30 PM

Have a great trip, Don.

Chrome Bumper · 02-17-2008, 03:32 PM

Lead paint?!, what about those 4 oz sinkers everyone breaks off willy nilly in our waters?

Get the real deal roast 'peking' duck while there. You can afford to eat like a king there. Specific breed, specific feed, and lots of details in the prep. Ooooh so good, the beer is good too.

If you need any support in Northern China drop me a line.

Dave G · 02-17-2008, 05:04 PM

Take picture and post later, have a good trip.

Big Billy · 02-17-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skein

Yes, Deeman, I have a request. Don't take any more American ingenuity to China.

I have a lot of respect for you, so don't take this as a slam or anything, but personally I'm sick and tired of everything I buy having a "Made in China" sticker.

We can make it here. We can make it good. And we love America. China doesn't.

My name is Jim Crotts and I approve these statements.

Skein

I agree with these statements