U.S. made aftermarket parts?

[BouseBill]

Good discussion all around. I bought the receiver cover for the rear even though it's made in China.
My thinking and correct me if I'm wrong, but could/is that part made with a 3D printer?
I would think there has to be an enterprising young man somewhere "here" that could do the same thing???

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[Joliet Mike]

Very simple example. I don't want a full economics class. I don't care about politics either.
Sadly it comes down to economics. Money coming out of your pocket.
American made parts =$$$$$
Foreign made parts including shipping from 10,000 miles away=$$
Very simply
Import taxes, can be raised to level the playing field. Absolutely.
But, who ends up paying more?$$$$$
The question becomes. If the item cost more, will YOU buy it ? Especially a impulse item.
Everybody says, they would, but in reality, history has shown that they will not.
Example
Identical products. Dash Trays.
A Dash tray being produced in Asia plus shipping all the way across the ocean to America $15 +$ales tax
Dash trays being produced in America $27
To level the market for US manufacturers, the government levies a $12 import tax on foreign made Dash trays.
Now, at $27 plus $ales tax. How many folks will be willing or can afford this purchase on a whim?
Who ends up with less money in their pocket ?
Good luck
Additional read.
Vietnam and other countries have been able to compete with India in the textile industry by leveraging low-cost labor, supportive policies, and a favorable business environment. It happens everywhere to everybody.
I remember when, towels, shirts, pants etc. were all made in India.
Workers in India wanted more money to raise their standard of living. Hence, they lost business.

If you raise tariffs the American manufacturers will just raise their prices. We can't win.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Good discussion all around. I bought the receiver cover for the rear even though it's made in China.
My thinking and correct me if I'm wrong, but could/is that part made with a 3D printer?
I would think there has to be an enterprising young man somewhere "here" that could do the same thing???

I think my hitch plug/cover with collar, is injection molded flexible rubber.
It cost $7.99 plus tax, free shipping including a spare plastic amer. flag emblem. Great value

I hear 3D printed this and 3D printed that all the time.
My only experience with a 3D printed product is this item I bought off Etsy to hold my Garmin.
And was I disappointed
The ball mount device that actually attaches to the Garmin was extra, from a different company and well made.

I found it to be paper thin. So thin, I felt I needed to add stiffness with foam.
As a matter of fact, it is so thin and fragile that the bottom nub that holds it in place broke off placing it into the cubby.

It also lacks a smooth finish.
Did I expect better, for almost $30 with tax and shipping? Yes I did.
Definitely lacks quality and value. What a disappointment
But, it is made in the USA .

I paid less for the 2 center console trays with removable pads, than I did for the 3D printed cubbie drawer above.

A functional utilization of the console space.
A Great value.

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