LuggageWorks starting to make their products in CHINA

[CFI2766]

Here is the response from Luggage Works:



Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry concerning LuggageWorks bags.

We are proud of the fact that we are the ONLY U.S. luggage company that actually makes and assembles pilot rolling bags in the USA.

The rumor you heard may relate to the fact that we started having Flight Attendant luggage made overseas about 2-3 years ago. The reason for this is that we simply could not compete with other companies that import these bags if we were to make them in the USA. The same is true for some of our accessory bags. Our costs for such items as duffels, totes, and lunch pails would be two to three times as high were they to be made in the USA. Our experience is that the market simply will not bear such a price level.

You should also know that we have exacting standards on our Flight Attendant and accessory bags that are made overseas. Even with these standards, we still perform a 100% quality inspection in our U.S. factory before these bags are shipped to the customer. We know our competitors do not perform quality inspections in the USA.

Again, thank you for your inquiry. We look forward to being of service to you again in the future.


Regards,


CF
LuggageWorks

Wow, kudos for an honest response.

However...

How long until we just can't afford to have our planes flown by American pilots?

 

[Long-Gonner]

That's what that jerk wad in Alabama, Sen. Dick Shelby, wants to happen. Break all the unions, send the jobs to where the corporations can pay the lowest wage with little or no benefits, ie open shop states like.......ALABAMA!!

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Thats a bunch of horse hockey from LW....

Explain......

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

That's what that jerk wad in Alabama, Sen. Dick Shelby, wants to happen. Break all the unions, send the jobs to where the corporations can pay the lowest wage with little or no benefits, ie open shop states like.......ALABAMA!!

That is right.... maybe we should replace Burger King and McDonald's in the south with Sushi and Soba noodle shops....

Maybe the south will rise again..... We can call it New Tokyo....

How long until we just can't afford to have our planes flown by American pilots?

That is the end game...

In the US on demestic routes it will be foreign pilots flying foreign registered planes for foreign companies...

And Americans, via consumerism, are doing it.....

 

[pipe]

That's what that jerk wad in Alabama, Sen. Dick Shelby, wants to happen. Break all the unions, send the jobs to where the corporations can pay the lowest wage with little or no benefits, ie open shop states like.......ALABAMA!!

Did you notice that all of the southern politicians fighting the saving of Detroit have Japanese auto plants in their states? Did the F'ing Japanese elect them? Shelby is a particularly large penis on this issue.

PIPE

 

[pipe]

F--- China.

F--- their undervalued currency

F--- their lack of human rights

F--- their work rules and low wages

F--- US govt for not protecting US manufacturing jobs

F--- US companies for caring more about their stock and shareholders instead of their own workers

and F--- the many of us here that don't care about local made.

Post of the year!

 

[FurloughedAgain]

Here ya go. Have a blast.

http://www.buyamericanmart.com/

 

[hmmurdock]

Here ya go. Have a blast.

http://www.buyamericanmart.com/

Greetings. Good post. Google "made in america" and lots of sites come up. I switched to New Balance shoes recently because they are made in the US. There are lots of clothing items made in the US, you just have to do a little searching.

Take Care

 

[RedheadCFI]

really???

FurloughedAgain,

Your signature says...

"Celebrate your successes. Find some humor in your failures." - Sam Walton

So, you're promoting domestic made products but you are quoting the guy who's business is responsible for the largest amount of Chinese imports in the country?

Wal-Mart is the single largest importer of foreign-produced goods in the United States, and the majority of its private-label clothing is manufactured in at least 48 countries around the world—and almost none in the United States.
Wal-Mart’s biggest trading partner is China. The world’s largest retailer admits it bought some $18 billion in merchandise in 2004, from China, nearly 10 percent of all Chinese goods sold in this country that year. Through August 2005, the United States was running a $126 billion trade deficit with China.

Full article at....

http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/walmart/walmart_5.cfm

 

[enigma]

It is possible to buy non-chinese, just not at Walmart/Lowes/Target/HomeDepot/etc

I manage to buy most everything I need without ever buying Chinese. My wife has a much harder time when buying for the kids. I just bought a digital camera, and was able to find many non chinese models. I just bought a DTW area assembled automobile, that claimed 50% US content, 30% Mexican and the rest was unassigned. I know the tranny is German, I also see that the tires are frigging Chinese. You can bet that I will replace them at the earliest possible moment. Given any excuse, they're history.

Res is right, we have no one to blame but ourselves. The only reason WalMart is successful is that the average American doesn't care about American jobs. We are a very uneducated, shortsighted, selfish people. BTW, who runs the education system?

Hey murdock, NewBalance is only American at the upper level of their product line. Like everything else, you've got to check the label.

Red Alert, almost all vaccinations are produced in China, if that knowledge doesn't scare you, nothing will.

 

[yournextFO]

It is sad. It is a great product. Just like Master Lock company and Levis' jeans.... LW is or soon will be made overseas.

Sending an email to LW is NOT the solution. I am sure they want to continue USA made just like you do.

The problem is not enough Americans care if their Levi's jeans or Master locks are made in the USA. And our gov't isn't willing to give tax breaks and incentives for LW, Levis' and Mastor Lock to stay in the US.

So your issue is really with every American out there that economically loves cheap China and supports a gov't that supports cheap China so Americans are happy... (thus the cycle).

The other issues is the decline in buying power of the last 9 years. Americans have to buy the cheap chinese crap. They can't afford to to buy American, which would help other Americans keep their jobs, which would help everyone.... another damaging cycle....

Wait a minute...most of us buying LW suitcases long ago accepted the idea of paying a fairly steep premium for a bag that doesn't fall apart under the rigors of airline life. How much can they really save per unit by manufacturing these in China? Personally, I'm more than willing to pay a fair price for quality -- I used to use Travelpro bags until a few years back when they started skimping on quality. People looking for a cheap bag aren't buying LW anyway.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Wait a minute...most of us buying LW suitcases long ago accepted the idea of paying a fairly steep premium for a bag that doesn't fall apart under the rigors of airline life. How much can they really save per unit by manufacturing these in China?

Quite a bit.... The cost of labor and living are so drastic that it is much much cheaper...

Personally, I'm more than willing to pay a fair price for quality -- I used to use Travelpro bags until a few years back when they started skimping on quality. People looking for a cheap bag aren't buying LW anyway.

Agreed... but you and I are a minority in the market.

The problem is so much bigger than we realize. As Americans we operate as individualist. It is all about each of us and only us.

As pilots we chide the $99 transcon fare but then rush to WalMart, the largest importer of Chinese goods to buy the most Chinese crap our credit will buy.

We want consumers in our industry to value a professional pilot and pay a fair price for a ticket but then we pilots turn consumers in any other industry and we become the consumers we loath....


However, when we start to function as citizens and not consumers we get quickly labeled as socialist, liberals and democrats. A label we fear and which is untrue. Being a responsible and participatory US citizen is not socialism. It is American.

 

[Tweaker]

Baracktopuzzy
The problem is so much bigger than we realize. As Americans we operate as individualist. It is all about each of us and only us.

_____This is called freedom, Baracktopuzzy! Splain how we operate as collectivists and also maintain freewill and true personal freedom? _____Alternatively, you can admit that you fear and detest such things, and I will prompt you to investigate a relocation to a country that more closely holds your belief system. See list below.

_____You are correct in recognizing that "it is all about each of us." You fail in thinking that gubmint can or even should attempt to pervert the natural order or how individuals assign priorities in their life.

_____Capitalism and democracy is based on an idea that makes your childish mind squirm. This is the idea of self interest being the overriding basis for the decisions we all make every day. Here are many examples, and proof of the effectiveness of same:

_____I don't like to drive the speed limit, and I do not HAVE TO OBEY THEM. It is in my best interest to do so. Thus I obey usually, but not when I decide it is worth the risk of death and $ to pay a ticket.
Freedom 1 - Nanny state Utopian Big Brutha - 0

_____I like to read; the library has many great books, and they share them with me. When I am not done with them, but they are still due, I DO NOT HAVE TO RETURN THEM. I weigh how much I want to finish the book vs how much I will pay to read it. I choose, get what I want, and the library usually gets some more $.
Freedom - 2
People's Republic of Rez - 0

_____I love my country and I want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem, and weaken her. When I buy something, I only buy ferign crap (Asian), or ferign high end stuff (Euro) if it meets certain criteria, or there are no options. Cost is, of course, one of these factors.
_____When I do not buy Amurican, I accept that I am harming our economy, and that has a cost that I consider.
Tell me how you would prefer this be handled, by gubmint fiat, or introducing inefficiencies like tariffs and the like into the economy. Perhaps goverment ownership of corporations or monopolies? Central planning anyone? Yes, yes, and I disagree with Shrub for taking some of these very actions, so save it.
_____Realize that there are costs of many kinds for this option, such as the fact that it may be illegal under some international laws, and makes us look like bowel movements to the world.
Freedom - 3
Umbamanation - 0


Baracktopuzzy
However, when we start to function as citizens and not consumers we get quickly labeled as socialist, liberals and democrats. A label we fear and which is untrue. Being a responsible and participatory US citizen is not socialism. It is American.

When YOU and the gubmint of your wet dreams prevents me from making these personal and self interested decisions, the result is tyranny at worst, and inefficiency at best. See Russia, Cuba, North Korea, China, need I continue, son?

 

[49W]

Every decision we make is based on a cost/benefit analysis to ourselves conscious or subconscious. The perceived benefit to us has to be greater than the cost. The benefit can be anything from material to emotional. Think about it.

 

[Tweaker]

Not so according to the wishes/plans of Umbama. Stay tuned.

Also, I wish to fellate Batman. Beat you to it, and you know who you are!

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Baracktopuzzy
The problem is so much bigger than we realize. As Americans we operate as individualist. It is all about each of us and only us.

_____This is called freedom, Baracktopuzzy! Splain how we operate as collectivists and also maintain freewill and true personal freedom?

I doubt you know what free will and true personal freedom are.... but why not tell us....

_____Alternatively, you can admit that you fear and detest such things, and I will prompt you to investigate a relocation to a country that more closely holds your belief system. See list below.

I fear limited democracy and uncontrolled corpratist driven capitalism. The Founding Fathers didn't invent a market system the founded a representative system.

_____You are correct in recognizing that "it is all about each of us." You fail in thinking that gubmint can or even should attempt to pervert the natural order or how individuals assign priorities in their life.

I don't think gov't should attempt anything. I think citizens should by voting and participating in the formation of the laws that govern thier laws.

_____Capitalism and democracy is based on an idea that makes your childish mind squirm. This is the idea of self interest being the overriding basis for the decisions we all make every day. Here are many examples, and proof of the effectiveness of same:

_____I don't like to drive the speed limit, and I do not HAVE TO OBEY THEM. It is in my best interest to do so. Thus I obey usually, but not when I decide it is worth the risk of death and $ to pay a ticket.
Freedom 1 - Nanny state Utopian Big Brutha - 0

Freedom? Why because you were coerced financially into fallowing the law?

Obviously your ethics and values are weak otherwise you'd drive the spped limit because it is the right thing to do, because it is safe, not because you fear a fine.

Stupidity 1. Ethics 0.

_____I like to read; the library has many great books, and they share them with me. When I am not done with them, but they are still due, I DO NOT HAVE TO RETURN THEM. I weigh how much I want to finish the book vs how much I will pay to read it. I choose, get what I want, and the library usually gets some more $.
Freedom - 2
People's Republic of Rez - 0

The library is a public domain. That is good. A place were citizens can go and share the tax payers money. Quite socialist a library because less people use it than pay for it... but I like the way you use public domians...

However, your motivation to return the book is so that your fellow citizens can have access to the same book you did under agreed terms. Your mentality that you can simply "rent" it longer and pay a fine is fine is not valid. It vilotes policy, the agreement you agreed to and limits accessablity to your fellow citizens.

Stupitity 2. Ethics and rights/policy violation 0.

_____I love my country

No, you love yourself.

and I want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem, and weaken her. When I buy something, I only buy ferign crap (Asian), or ferign high end stuff (Euro) if it meets certain criteria, or there are no options. Cost is, of course, one of these factors.
_____When I do not buy Amurican, I accept that I am harming our economy, and that has a cost that I consider.
Tell me how you would prefer this be handled, by gubmint fiat, or introducing inefficiencies like tariffs and the like into the economy. Perhaps goverment ownership of corporations or monopolies? Central planning anyone? Yes, yes, and I disagree with Shrub for taking some of these very actions, so save it.
_____Realize that there are costs of many kinds for this option, such as the fact that it may be illegal under some international laws, and makes us look like bowel movements to the world.
Freedom - 3
Umbamanation - 0

It starts with citizen participation in the creation of an economic system they so desire.

How invilved were citizens when big corporations deicded to politic gov't to open up china and ship jobs overseas...

Consumerism 1. Citizenship 0.

Baracktopuzzy
However, when we start to function as citizens and not consumers we get quickly labeled as socialist, liberals and democrats. A label we fear and which is untrue. Being a responsible and participatory US citizen is not socialism. It is American.

When YOU and the gubmint of your wet dreams prevents me from making these personal and self interested decisions, the result is tyranny at worst, and inefficiency at best. See Russia, Cuba, North Korea, China, need I continue, son?

Rather I am not. i am suggesting that we become a part of self rule. Not governemnt rule but more citizen rule... you know, of the people, for the people, by the people....

Have you heard of that before...

Instead of non voting in elections and then sending representatives to Was DC to speak for us, citizens need to be more in control and power.... I don't know what you call that... I call it American.

 

[xjhawk]

Who was it that said that outsourcing factories to other countries is good for American companies? Thats right, our outgoing president GW Bush! I believe he is also a supporter of free trade (thats one way free trade if you look a little closer) I for one buy for quality, always looking for the American products when they can be had. But I will add that is sometimes very hard to do. Try to find an american product in electronics, thats a great example of how things have gone.

 

[Tweaker]

I doubt you know what free will and true personal freedom are.... but why not tell us
I don't feel the need to prove my intelligence to you, especially since you are so inept at spelling as well as so inconsiderate of others to correct this with the "check spelling" feature in the top right of the post box.
Quote:
I fear limited democracy and uncontrolled corpratist driven capitalism. The Founding Fathers didn't invent a market system the founded a representative system.
And like Osama Obama, you hate it, and wish to "change it (constitution)." Me thinks you have a great many fears in life. I was not part of the "in crowd" who so rejected you, but I also reject you.
Quote:
I don't think gov't should attempt anything. I think citizens should by voting and participating in the formation of the laws that govern thier laws.
What in the hell does that even mean? Calm down or stroke yourself before you post, and stop looking for someone here to stroke your microscopic ego. Laws don't govern laws, and we would be well off destroying 75% of them, me thinks.

Quote:
_____Capitalism and democracy is based on an idea that makes your childish mind squirm. This is the idea of self interest being the overriding basis for the decisions we all make every day. Here are many examples, and proof of the effectiveness of same:
_____I don't like to drive the speed limit, and I do not HAVE TO OBEY THEM. It is in my best interest to do so. Thus I obey usually, but not when I decide it is worth the risk of death and $ to pay a ticket.
Freedom 1 - Nanny state Utopian Big Brutha - 0
Freedom? Why because you were coerced financially into fallowing the law?
Obviously your ethics and values are weak otherwise you'd drive the spped limit because it is the right thing to do, because it is safe, not because you fear a fine.
Stupidity 1. Ethics 0.
Your childlike outlook on things is really stunning, and once again, is outshined only by your inability to display higher logic and grammar. The real world is not as scary or evil as you fear. Come join us!
Quote:

The library is a public domain. That is good. A place were citizens can go and share the tax payers money. Quite socialist a library because less people use it than pay for it... but I like the way you use public domians...

However, your motivation to return the book is so that your fellow citizens can have access to the same book you did under agreed terms. Your mentality that you can simply "rent" it longer and pay a fine is fine is not valid. It vilotes policy, the agreement you agreed to and limits accessablity to your fellow citizens.
Stupitity 2. Ethics and rights/policy violation 0.
Do tell what you would deem a proper "punishment" (sense the childlike mentality here?) for such a breach of contract? Assignment to re-education camp? Public caning? Trainride to Siberia? Forced Sterilization?
Any $ I pay goes to supporting the library, more books, etc. There is rarely anyone who wants the book immediately anyway, making this nearly victimless. You consistantly devolve every scenario into one of a glorious powerful central govt. and bad bad individuals (free citizens) who must be bent to its will. If you ever are elected to a position of leadership, there will be terror in the land.
Quote:
_____I love my country
No, you love yourself.
Come come, little man. Channel your anger and frustrations into research and better constructs of your intellect. This is just a shame, here.
Quote:
and I want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem, and weaken her. When I buy something, I only buy ferign crap (Asian), or ferign high end stuff (Euro) if it meets certain criteria, or there are no options. Cost is, of course, one of these factors.
_____When I do not buy Amurican, I accept that I am harming our economy, and that has a cost that I consider.
Tell me how you would prefer this be handled, by gubmint fiat, or introducing inefficiencies like tariffs and the like into the economy. Perhaps goverment ownership of corporations or monopolies? Central planning anyone? Yes, yes, and I disagree with Shrub for taking some of these very actions, so save it.
_____Realize that there are costs of many kinds for this option, such as the fact that it may be illegal under some international laws, and makes us look like bowel movements to the world.
Freedom - 3
Umbamanation - 0
It starts with citizen participation in the creation of an economic system they so desire.
How invilved were citizens when big corporations deicded to politic gov't to open up china and ship jobs overseas...
Consumerism 1. Citizenship 0.
Obviously, they (the electorate) were exactly as involved as they desired to be. One exception to the freedom to vote in 2008 I remember was the baseball bat sporting Black Panthers who positioned demselves at the entrances to a few polling places in Filthadelphia. If there was enough support to modify things, the few who vote would successfully elect those who endeavor to make this happen. A republic is something that you just detest. Why do you persist in trying to swim upstream your entire life. You are clearly angry and miserable. There are other options for you and the benefits are many.
Quote:
Baracktopuzzy
However, when we start to function as citizens and not consumers we get quickly labeled as socialist, liberals and democrats. A label we fear and which is untrue. Being a responsible and participatory US citizen is not socialism. It is American.
When YOU and the gubmint of your wet dreams prevents me from making these personal and self interested decisions, the result is tyranny at worst, and inefficiency at best. See Russia, Cuba, North Korea, China, need I continue, son?
Rather I am not. i am suggesting that we become a part of self rule. Not governemnt rule but more citizen rule... you know, of the people, for the people, by the people....
Have you heard of that before...
Yes I have, but they are polar opposites. Citizen rule is essentially mob rule, or leadership by committee. Your "people" quote derives from a republic, specifically representative democratic republic. You need to bone up a bit, boyyy.

There is a function that is exactly what you had in mind, and it is employed often. The results are nearly always pleasing to me. A referendum is direct voter decision of pending legislation. Examples: 30 states that rejected affirmative action and Kalipornia recently rejecting gay marriage like the ENTIRE rest of the country has.
A republic is a state or country that is not led by a hereditary monarch, [1][2] but in which the people (or at least a part of its people)[3] have an impact on its government (in the United States of America's terms "by the people, of the people, and for the people").[4][5] The word originates from the Latin term res publica, which literally translates as "public thing" or "public matter".
I found just the place for you - Sweden. 60% tax rate, but all the big gubmint schtuff that makes your vag1na sweaty.
In the West, there was a convergence towards representative democracy, for republics as well as monarchies, from the Enlightenment on. In particular, the fear of mob rule concerned many, like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, who supported representative democracies. A direct democracy instrument like a referendum is still basically mistrusted in many of the countries that adopted representative democracy. Nonetheless, some republics like Switzerland have a great deal of direct democracy in their state organisation, with several issues put before the people by referendum every year.
quote
Instead of non voting in elections and then sending representatives to Was DC to speak for us, citizens need to be more in control and power.... I don't know what you call that... I call it American.

I call that no sh1t Sherlock. You are wise beyond your years. I can only vote once though, even though I am from Chicago. Glad we could culminate in a point of agreement.

 

[waka]

Well, you started to get it right. But then, you blamed Americans. Of course everyone wants the best value at the lowest price. The answer is your first statement (tax breaks, incentives), not the second.

Incorrect. You're just trying to wash your hands with the same lame and trite excuses. The market and capitalism is not the answer to everything.....recent ahem, "events" have proven that.

 

[G. Costanza]

God bless "Chimerica".
Now I just wish we could get some kitty cat on the menu in the western hemisphere.