Walmart

[RanchMan]

Has anyone else besides me checked out the color of the tractors driven by some of those throwing the biggest stones within this thread at Walmart with regards to "buying foreign?" /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Oh, I'm sure ALL SORTS of explanations will be thrown as to why THAT is OK but buying foreign stuff from Walmart isn't - but it all falls in to the hypocrisy bin if you ask me.

 

[TresCrows]

"Has anyone else besides me checked out the color of the tractors driven by some of those throwing the biggest stones within this thread at Walmart with regards to "buying foreign?""

Then let me be clear, I don't avoid Wal Mart because they sell many foreign goods, I avoid Wal Mart because of the crowds, the low end quality, the limited diversity of choice, their practice of targeting local independent retailers by using low prices and then when the competition is gone raising the prices, their elimination of competition--nope, no problem with foreign goods here with me. You see, if American companies wish to sell antiques against Sony or TQM, outsource, lean size, down size themselves in to oblivion so their stock have good dividends and maximum value (until they cease to exist /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif) that is just fine with me. I don't like Wal Mart and it has nothing to do with foreign products except for maybe their lying about it /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Did I make that clear enough? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, proud to own orange, and it did not come from a Wal Mart /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. J

 

[r0GuE]

And my point is essentially the same. Though I do lean to the USA when they make a similar product of at least as high a quality level. I could go in to how there is no American made compact tractors, but some would argue. Even thouh half the material is imported and the engines are Kawasaki.

Quality imported goods from Japan and Europe (when you strongly feel that they are the best available) is obviosly different than blindly buying from the Chinease invasion trough because it is $4 cheaper than a quality American made product.

It is important that we not move this thread in to a flame war. I am trying to just explain the best I can.

 

[Old_Hickory]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="red">Has anyone else besides me checked out the color of the tractors driven by some of those throwing the biggest stones within this thread at Walmart with regards to "buying foreign?" </font> )</font>

Good point Ranchman.
Not that it makes things any better,but China is the biggest manufacturer of American flags.

 

[dummy]

Yep. Obviously, you got up earlier than I did though. I prefer to look at my stuff as investments in the international global economy.

 

[RanchMan]

Trescrows -

I could address your points in detail, but based on past encounters you and I have had, it would be a futile effort. About the only thing I will say (and the most euphemistic way I can put it) is that some of your points are not congruent with basic business principles.

You were certainly “clear” in your earlier posts - perhaps I was not. My point? It's ironic that there are some who say "BUY AMERICAN!" when it comes to purchasing some Chinese made kitchen do-dad from WM, but when it comes to buying other things (such as tractors), their "principles" go out the window and they'll justify their decision on quality, personal money problems, "lack of choice," whatever.

 

[RanchMan]

<font color="blue"> you got up earlier </font>

I probably just stayed up later. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Old_Hickory,

You bring up a good point--there isn't much China won't take on. They are eagerly taking on any and all manufacturing that will come their way. They know that a strong manufacturing base plays a major role in the strength of a country. As has been said earlier--if the U.S. doesn't work harder to keep manufacturing--there will be major issues down the road.

Back to Walmart--I revisited my posts and don't see that I was one of the foreign tractor buyers who was preaching "buy American". While I believe buying American when possible is a good thing, it's not the reason I choose not to do business with Walmart (or Sprawlmart as the Simpsons refer to it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Bob

 

[RobertN]

The color of the small tractor is not a matter of CHOICE. All small tractorts are made offshore. Sure, a couple have some US made parts, but are essentially foriegn made. The same with my Harley. In a different topic, I listed how even a few simple foriegn parts removed from my Hog would render it unusable.

I buy US when I can. Sometimes it's expensive. Sometimes it is antiquated, as Trescrows mentioned. So I do have a mix of foriegn and domestic stuff. Sometimes, it's the only choice, like the Kubota.

When the choice is there, I but primarily US. When the choice is not there, I have to buy foriegn.

 

[CTyler]

This Q is for you or anybody else that has studied Walmart, seen documentories etc..

What is the overall impact to the economy of a town when Walmart moves in? What is the 1 thru 5 year statistical data? Unemployment, wages, etc..
What was the previous economic trend on said town/s?

I not for small business taking a dive but if the overall economy is improved then so shal it be.