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How much extra are you willing to pay for "Made in the US"?


Whip

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[Warning...I may use the info from this thread to make a bidness decision.]

 

 

 

 

I can buy a blank 100% cotton 6.1 once tee shirt for $2.75 from my local wholesaler. The shirt will be made in Honduras, Guatemala. India ...etc. I generally buy Anvil, Fruit of the Loom, or Hanes. All the shirts are good quality and very consistent. I can get them overnight in most cases.

 

I screen print them at my own shop and sell em in my stores for $7.99.

 

Janet (Squirrel/Killer's SO) recently brought to my attention a company out of PA called Camber USA that claims to make made in America blank tee shirts. They are substantially more expensive for 6 once 100% cotton shirts. It will take a few days to get them and shipping will be a bit more. In my opinion they are 10% heavier and the stitching may be a bit better.

 

My retail price would jump to $19.99

 

150% increase sounds like a lot, but it's $12 and it's a tee shirt.

 

 

I have been thinking about it since Janet made me aware of this company. I prolly would pay the difference.

 

 

 

Would YOU????

 

TIA

 

 

 

 

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bayoubengal

I would have to see a pretty clear quality difference to make that choice. I try to buy Made in America when able but it is getting more and more difficult to do. I also try to buy local vs. Internet and mom and pop vs. big box. I tend to think in the 10-20% premium range for these transactions is acceptable. But my gut tells me majority of consumers go bottom price regardless with no thoughts of jobs in our neighborhoods and tax revenue to our local schools etc... I'm not 100% effective. I pay for my goods with an airline paycheck that was greatly reduced thru company bankruptcy partially because of how the Internet changed info sharing and people began changing to other carriers because a fare was literally $1.00 less with no thought of the quality of the airplanes, operators and maintainers.

 

Made in America is difficult. Tractor? John Deere. Oh wait many are made in Czech republic and anything under 30 horse has a Japanese engine. Ford F150. Many parts from Mexico, Canada and a tranny from France. Nissan employs more Americans than Delta Airlines. Arctic Cat ATV? Many Japanese engines and some completely made in Taiwan.

 

Back to your specific item if it was something I really wanted I would buy it but for an impulse purchase, maybe not.

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A $20 t-shirt? Out of my price range unless a really thrilling, unique printing on it. I do pay more than that for high-tech tees like Patagonia that perform and last a really long time. But for a cotten tee that I will wear out in a year, it's too much. I also think that blue jeans should only cost ten bucks, have bell bottoms and a button fly.

 

----

 

 

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It depends.

 

If we're talking about cheesy T-shirt that says "I'm with this stupid -> " or something else as clever, then no.

A cheap gag T-shirt is just that and I wouldn't give a rats behind where it was made or how good quality it is.

On the other hand, if we are talking about a nice plain color T (black, white or navy) that I know I'd be wearing a lot, then absolutely yes.

 

When buying durable goods like tools, appliances or other "hardware" I'd be happy to pay 20% to 50% more for a product that's made in USA if the product is also visibly of better quality than the one made in China.

 

--

Mikko

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I might pay the extra, especially if it's a nicer quality shirt. But AFAIK, most consumers don't look at the tag to see where it's made - if they DO look at the tag, it's the size or fabric they're checking. (And if the tag proclaims MADE IN USA, that's great...)

 

What the participants here would buy vs what your average customer would buy may be worlds apart.

 

My recommendation?

Do what the pros do, and let YOUR market tell you. Have a trial run by stocking ONE of your store with the new shirts, and signage letting folks know it's US made. Then you can compare how well they sell against another store that had no change. (That's pre-supposing that your stores do consistent volume compared to one another each month.)

It might be a hefty expenditure for the test, but in a month or less you'll have a REAL answer, not a guess or gamble.

 

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For $19, the quality of printing you typically provide, a better quality shirt AND just about 100% made in the U.S.A? Absolutely, I'd pay more. $20 seems reasonable. However, I would be far less likely to buy two.

 

It might be interesting - if you can do it - to make an appropriate quantity from each of the two kinds of stock, put up clear written signage and ask your customer to vote with their wallet.

 

At the very least it would be good for:

1) customer good will

2) people love to be asked what they think

3) you come off as a thoughtful, caring businessman

4) you show your appreciation for your customers concerns

5) you show your interest in helping the U.S.A.

....

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For $19, the quality of printing you typically provide, a better quality shirt AND just about 100% made in the U.S.A? Absolutely, I'd pay more. $20 seems reasonable. However, I would be far less likely to buy two.

 

It might be interesting - if you can do it - to make an appropriate quantity from each of the two kinds of stock, put up clear written signage and ask your customer to vote with their wallet.

 

At the very least it would be good for:

1) customer good will

2) people love to be asked what they think

3) you come off as a thoughtful, caring businessman

4) you show your appreciation for your customers concerns

5) you show your interest in helping the U.S.A.

....

 

 

 

YOUR HIRED!!

 

When can you start?

 

 

;)

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John Ranalletta

Who buys t-shirts? Normally, they're a throw in around some event and included in the price.

 

Most if not all of my printed tees end in the rag drawer for painting, working in the garage, etc. Who wants to pay a premium for that?

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The average Joe Sixpack that wears screen print t-shirts won't be buying the $20 version. I understand the social need to "buy American" but when it comes time to pull bills out of your wallet, the cheap import wins out.

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It depends what the T-Shirt has printed on it.

 

 

Remember the Alamo! - That's a $7.99 shirt

 

BMWST shirt - $19.99. Would still be cheap at twice the price.

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Trial with signage would be optimal I'm thinking, gives you solid data on what your customers want.

 

While naturally enough I tend not to look for made in USA so much, I do look for products made in Australia as a first preference if I can get them. It drives my wife somewhat spare if I happen to go grocery shopping with her as it takes much longer while I inspect labels. :)

 

I'm not certain that a whole lot of people do this as somebody must be buying the container loads of Chinese rubbish you'll see being unloaded at any busy port. I personally see it as false economy as you'll typically buy lots of any given Chinese variant to get the service life of a western product.

 

For what it's worth, my personal preference tends to lie thus:

Australia (for obvious reasons)

Germany

Rest of western Europe

USA

Japan

 

Anything else I tend to deem a decided lottery and you'd not want to pay much for it as it'll likely not be too robust.

 

Naturally there are exceptions to this order with specialised equipment, but it's my general rule of thumb.

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Hey Whip, do I get a AARP discount :wave:

 

I have a few drawers full of novelty t-shirts, some you have made. Almost all end up as work shirts, than grease rags ( just finished a 12k service with a 06 UN )

 

As stated above... at a BMWST event I'd prolly buy one, whereas I might have bought a long sleeve and a short sleeve at a cheaper rate.

 

 

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Gary in Aus

From a business viewpoint I would also support promoting both products side by side and see where "your" customers head.

 

I am not sure of your business type "high end boutique in an high end location" versus a "low end shop in a low end location" or somewhere in between ,if you follow my meaning.

 

As an exercise order ,an once again not sure on your numbers sold, but possibly try the equivalent of a months orders to gauge market.

 

Order expensive ones in yours and relatives sizes ,as if not sold ,make good gifts.

 

I also drive those who go shopping with me crazy, especially when grocery shopping .I follow closely Australian standards regarding food production and am comfortable with standards on chemicals ,GM ,processing,working conditions,labour laws, etc compared to some other countries .

 

My preferential order

 

1.Australia

2.New Zealand

3.Japan

 

 

Unfortunately these options are under threat from "other" imports and we are losing/have lost the ability to choose , so many items now are coming from come from the China ,India etc for products and most of Asia for food. {example large wild prawns from Australia "Crystal bay" at $20 per kilo versus Vietnamese farm prawns at $8 per kilo} I gladly pay the $20 per kilo for Australian product.

 

I personally would pay a premium for Australian goods {and often do} on a lot of items but not on a tshirt.

 

We used to have Australian manufacturer named Bonds which became a byword for underwear ,This has now moved off shore for manufacture but the brand name still sways buyers.

 

I use tshirts as underwear when it is cold {at farm, riding bike etc} and don't wear them as an item of clothing to wear "out".

 

Similar with jeans , I never wear them as a casual dress item ,I wear them as "work" trousers on the farm and I have a couple of pairs of Draggin jeans for riding.

 

A good buy from the US at the moment are Stanley flasks , good quality and really cheap.

 

On our trip to Alaska in 2009 we purchased a lot of "souveniers" for family and friends ,other than local handicrafts and artwear nearly everything else came from China {mind you in Sorrento ,Italy last year and looking for a wooden Pinochio puppet made in Italy for grandson could only find ones made in China eventually bought him a good Italian made one in Florence for about 4 times the price 65 euros versus 15 euros}

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Thanks for the in put.

 

I am really looking for your personal thoughts as a consumer.

 

7.99 for a good Fruit/Hanes/Anvil

 

Vs

 

19.99 for a little better quality and Made in America shirt

 

Thanks Again

 

 

 

 

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Competition from other retailers nearby?

If your consumers are tourists with other stores to walk through for comparison then that will be more of an issue.

I think the why/what are more important than price when buying a T shirt.

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Thanks for the in put.

 

I am really looking for your personal thoughts as a consumer.

 

7.99 for a good Fruit/Hanes/Anvil

 

Vs

 

19.99 for a little better quality and Made in America shirt

 

Thanks Again

 

 

 

 

$7.99 no question. The price delta is way too large without a significant upgrade in the shirt.

 

Keep in mind that all of your value added printing is "Made in USA". If you price yourself out of the market the US market loses.

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Thanks for the in put.

 

I am really looking for your personal thoughts as a consumer.

 

7.99 for a good Fruit/Hanes/Anvil

 

Vs

 

19.99 for a little better quality and Made in America shirt

 

Thanks Again

 

 

 

 

I'll take the better quality and Made in America for 19.99

 

Thanks,

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Les is more

The working conditions are deplorable in the places where some of those brands are made. I'll go for the product that is made without child labor, starvation wages and inhumane conditions. These are often the circumstances that allow us to pay 8 bucks for a shirt.

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Other than a handful of folks who are USA-sensitive and willing to pay a higher premium for a USA-made tee-shirt, the $19.99 shirts will hang on the rack across from your empty rack where the $7.99 shirts were unless the $19.99 shirts have a cooler, more desired design. You have stores all around you selling tee-shirts for "2 for $9.99" or "3 for whatever," and you do some of the same pricing. Unless there is signage that states that "These shirts are proudly made in the USA!” and the shirts look and feel decidedly better, they will hang and hang and hang.

 

And, I would not even attempt this in a competitive-bid situation, e.g. Deaf School of Texas, in Austin. Your clients may tell you that they prefer USA-made shirts but at the end of the day they want the best pricing and they won't be comparing apples-to-apples with the other bids. Certainly, the USA-made shirts are preferable and they would make for a better feel-good decision but as you always say, this is bidness and bidness is bidness. The Fruits are just fine. Additionally, San Antonio is the number one tourism destination for folks living in Texas which really means that many of those folks can’t afford to go to Florida, Colorado, etc. This tight economy doesn’t justify doubling tee-shirt prices for the sake of where they were made.

 

Really? You had to ask this question? I know JB didn't ask! ;-)

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At 7.99 vs. 19.99 I'd have to go for the lower price - made in America or not. A buck or two and I'd gladly pay the extra.

 

Yeah, that's pretty much the way I'd look at it, though I'd perhaps go as high as close to twice the cost if it were a really noticeable difference in quality. But, it would have to be a very noticeable difference.

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If you autographed it I might go to $8.50 ;)

 

Larry, I'm betting the elasticity of demand for T-shirts is very, very high; especially in a tourist environment. If you feel strongly there is a significant differentiator, run a small batch and see what happens. If it really is elastic, you'll only be out the price of the American made t-shirts. If it's inelastic, you print more, otherwise, put them all on the same rack and chalk it up to a patriotic experiment.

 

Mike O

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Hey Tallman

 

Would you pay $12 extra for "Made in America".

 

TIA

 

Not for a T shirt unless it was a design/memento I wanted badly enough to get rid of one of my 50 other "had to have" shirts.

I bought from a tall and big store for a while.

Cost more, fit better, lasted not very long and threads came apart.

Eventually I stopped buying.

So they lost my repeat business.

Are you going for repeat or one time sales?

If one time, I still maintain it will be the design that captures the $$$.

I understand the issues involved (knew a guy who sold garments flown from Miami to 2 other Latin American countries for cutting assembly and back to Miami in the 60's) and $$ can be much different not to mention work conditions.

Be that as it may, too often $ determines choice if perception is the products are similar.

 

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One issue to consider is the venue where the shirts are sold.

If the intended market are labor unions and blue states go with the made in USA product..

For others, use the cheaper shirt.

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(...snip...) knew a guy who sold garments flown from Miami to 2 other Latin American countries (...snip...)

I know that Miami SEEMS like a Latin American city - but I'm pretty sure it's still considered part of the US. Officially, anyway. :D

 

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I don't buy or wear screen print tee shirts, so I can only answer in the theoretical.

 

My inclination would be to go with the USA product, but a lot of that is based on my economic ability to absorb the difference. My daughter, who I believe would also prefer that option, would absolutely go for the cheaper because, for her, the additional $12 in discretionary spending is a deal breaker

 

Another thought ... most folks may intellectually understand that Hanes and Fruit of the Loom products are not made in the USA, but emotionally, because they're old, well established and marketed American brands, the comparison with your more expensive Made in USA shirt gets muddled. With two identical screen printed shirts, my belief is the majority would buy the hugely less expensive shirt and silently rationalize that they were still buying American.

 

In the end I'm not sure if it has to be an either / or situation. If its not an economic disaster for you to buy and print a limited, unique series that's not duplicated in the cheap shirt, why not give folks who can / want to buy USA that option. Yes, making them unique skews the direct comparison with a marketing ploy, but so what. The buyers feel good, you feel good, folks in PA feel good ... what's not to like?

 

Of course if you do this and all the shirts are still on the rack 6 months from now ... uh, well, maybe I'd buy a couple to help you out :dopeslap:

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Generally, my pov is to take the best value product. I think it is counter productive to support inefficient operations. Likely this kind of bs is what finally drove Detroit to, or over, the brink.

 

 

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What you need is a Made In America web store, I know a guy who...

 

Even though I like the idea of buying local I almost certainly wouldn't be willing to pay that much difference for a regular shirt.

 

What about American Apparel in LA? They were the source for the t-shirts that the Capitol Reef Classic 'gave' to competitors last year. I didn't really take notice of the shirt quality, the screen printing sucked compared to yours but that's not the issue here.

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Generally, my pov is to take the best value product. I think it is counter productive to support inefficient operations. Likely this kind of bs is what finally drove Detroit to, or over, the brink.
Interesting ... I don't see inefficiency as coming into play here at all. World and local economics, yes.

 

Even so, for me, the perception of value is comprised of more than the lowest purchase price even with substantially comparable items .

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I wouldn't pay the $12 extra if the design and quality were similar.

 

I'll wonder aloud: Aren't Fruit/Hanes/Anvil U.S. companies that make profits on the goods, regardless of the source? How much do those companies' operations and profits mean to the U.S. economy compared to U.S. companies/industries whose domestic operations can't match the efficiency of global supply chains? Wouldn't I be supporting an American (albeit of Armenian descent ;) ) retailer either way? What about the fact that I'll probably spend the $12 I saved on something else that supports the U.S. economy? How much difference does this really make, in the grand scheme of things?

 

I see Leslie's point and I'd think twice if I knew that the goods were produced under exploitive conditions. But I won't assume that the country of origin, or the price, necessarily proves that exploitation has occurred.

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Generally, my pov is to take the best value product. I think it is counter productive to support inefficient operations. Likely this kind of bs is what finally drove Detroit to, or over, the brink.
Interesting ... I don't see inefficiency as coming into play here at all. World and local economics, yes.

 

Even so, for me, the perception of value is comprised of more than the lowest purchase price even with substantially comparable items .

 

Correct, "value" was a carefully chosen word. I most certainly did not say "cheapest." However, I do mean the intrinsic values of the article offered for sale, as opposed to non-tangible values such as "Made In America."

 

 

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Yes, Hanes and Fruit of the Loom create jobs and put $$ into the economy, but they also outsource the jobs that make the shirt. Whip gets his cut either way.

 

I guess I'm one of few who see the decline of American manufacturing and the loss of local jobs (however small) as a bad economic thing. I'd rather support American manufacturing where I can. I don't see this as being inefficient. So, I vote with my $$ where I can. Ya'll are free to vote your own way. :Cool:

 

And no, this isn't an absolute for me, but it does go into the value equation.

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Economics 101... Theory of elasticity.

 

Dollars to Dounts.. 7.99 vs 19.99 is WAY too much difference, the USA made T-shirts will sit... (and later be sold cheep, much to your chagrin)

 

Walmart has shown what "Buy in America" means to most, NOTHING... Sam Walton is rolling in his grave.

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If you have the ability I'd consider actually doing both, putting them out there side by side calling out the American/Foreign made.

It would be interesting to see the actual results.

Me, I'd pay more if I can see the difference in quality, especially if its a Tee I'd like to keep as a souvenir.

 

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I guess I'm one of few who see the decline of American manufacturing and the loss of local jobs (however small) as a bad economic thing. I'd rather support American manufacturing where I can.

 

I don't disagree, generally. The U.S. is still the world's manufacturing leader by value of the goods produced. The way forward depends on finding new opportunities to do what we do best. Being a competitive producer of relatively inexpensive consumer goods isn't one of those things.

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I know that Miami SEEMS like a Latin American city - but I'm pretty sure it's still considered part of the US. Officially, anyway. :D

 

 

Not to anyone born north of I-4 :rofl:

 

 

Larry, I would like to think that I would spend the difference, but as an example, for shirts for one of our events, I don't know that the difference is worth passing on even in our not for profit events.

 

I think it would be a great promotion tied to days of nationalistic pride... Do the made in USA shirts on Fourth of July.

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Economics 101... Theory of elasticity.

 

Dollars to Dounts.. 7.99 vs 19.99 is WAY too much difference, the USA made T-shirts will sit... (and later be sold cheep, much to your chagrin)

 

Walmart has shown what "Buy in America" means to most, NOTHING... Sam Walton is rolling in his grave.

 

Mostly I agree. Also why American mfg is in trouble. Doesn't lessen the importance of the problem.

 

My suggestion did attempt to take care of some of the elasticity by putting unique scenes/sayings/pictures on the PA tee shirt thereby using another great American way of doing business ... marketing 101. Don't guarantee it would work :Wink:

 

Oh, and I also shop at WalMart ... go figure.

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Actually I would not. I think it is most Patriotic to continue buying cheap stuff made elsewhere and continue shopping at Wall Mart; who cares if Wall Mart creates less jobs than they eliminate by putting Mom&Pop shoppes out of business, and 90% of what they sell is made elsewhere? that way we are actually curving illegal immigration by creating jobs elsewhere.

 

Furthermore if labor conditions are deplorable and unsafe, that much the better, that way foreign laborers will have a shorter life expectancy and the least likely they will be healthy enough to cross the Arizona desert and come here and take away our jobs.

 

Right?

 

:/:Cool:

 

American manufacturing may produce high quality, but there seems to be a lot less concern than you are showing Larry.

 

As a stark example, something that is a lot less labor dependent such as Vodka;

Question: Why is it that vodka distilled and bottled less than 20 miles from Austin is priced higher than vodka distilled and bottled in Finland? And, is not half as good!

Answer: Because they are counting on a few people getting hooked on the "buy local: nostalgia, and will disregard quality and common sense. My wife did ONCE.

 

Your preoccupation is commendable, but American manufacturers need to take a hard look at being competitive and stop trying to get some sort of sentimental subsidy.

 

How many of you are looking at this on a Dell computer? Did you look at the box to see where it was actually assembled? It's based here in Austin, but it isn't made here.

 

I don't think your average customer base will care if the t-shirts are made in the U.S.A., you may offer them for specific orders, but someone buying a t-shirt that reads "Someone went to San Antonio, and all I got is this lousy t-shirt" will go for the $7.99 VS the $19.99 999 times out of 1,000.

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I know that Miami SEEMS like a Latin American city - but I'm pretty sure it's still considered part of the US. Officially, anyway. :D

 

 

Not to anyone born north of I-4 :rofl:

 

 

Larry, I would like to think that I would spend the difference, but as an example, for shirts for one of our events, I don't know that the difference is worth passing on even in our not for profit events.

 

I think it would be a great promotion tied to days of nationalistic pride... Do the made in USA shirts on Fourth of July.

 

Miami hasn't been part of Florida for 50 years, if ever.

Not saying that is good or bad but I lived there for decades and it was the northern capital of Latin America then.

From an economic pov it has innumerable connections to the LAEU.

 

After some thought I'm wondering if the 2 product USa vs them tables might be perceived as jingoistic.

 

Kudos for thinking about itLarry but most efforts in the garment industry is TLTL.

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Now, if they were hemp t-shirts....

 

We tried the Hemp Shirts a few years ago, they no sell.

 

Beer Shirts...no sale

 

Wine Shirts...no sale

 

 

Texas Dirt Shirts....sold a bit, but not for very long.

 

 

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I forgot you're way down south in the land of cotton. If you sold hemp t-shirts, your customers would probably say, "Get a rope!" or at the very least, "Take a bath, hippie!" (um, unless you were in Austin, maybe)

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Even though many of the T-shirts in my drawer were made by you, Whip, I find that they mostly just sit in my drawer. For me, I wouldn't pay the higher price for a "made in the USA" T-shirt.

 

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