Carrot-Top.com Made in USA logo
I have seen many of my fellow flag dealers resort to offering quality (or sometimes not quality) American flags made in China or any other host of countries. I see the public relations spin that the value and price make it affordable for schools, veterans and cities under budgetary constraints. The simple fact of the matter is that most of these dealers are opportunist, who have either entered the market or gained market share following September 11, 2001. The spirit, emotion and understanding of the true meaning of the American flag is lost.
At Carrot-Top Industries the American Flag is not a product of doing business it is a dedication to what it stands for, those who have fought for it and those who protect it. It is a symbol of unity, freedoms and what is possible with the power of people. We look for the opportunity to educate people about the flag’s history, symbolism and standards. Now you could make the argument that any display of the American flag shows support or as I stated before that the costs drive customers to imported American flags. I say if you believe that you really miss the point behind the flag. Only an American making the flag can give the flag the respect, appreciation and dedication that each flag deserves – this is not just any other product.
I personally have not heard of a school, veteran or city that called, emailed or faxed and asked us if we have imported American flags because they want to fly the flag, but do not have the budget. To the contrary we often receive very vocal calls, emails and faxes demanding that our flags are made in the USA. Let’s clear the air about costs, our 3’x5’ Nylon American flag is $24.80 each, after searching the price range for a 3’x5’ Imported Polyester American Flag online (the imported polyester material is comparable to the US made nylon) the price is around $16.95. Even the better quality imported flags do not have four stitch fly ends and embroidered stars, however strictly on price is it really worth $7.85 every six months to a year not to buy American?
I know we are in one of if not the worse economic situation of our lifetime and that the world has become a global marketplace, but when you purchase an American flag really think about what it means to you and the others who have served it. We hang the flag as a symbol over places like Iwo Jima and the World Trade Center, pledge allegiance to the flag, and honor fallen soldier’s caskets and families with the flag.
To be fair we do carry a very few imported flags, though never American, state, POW or official military flags. I would also like to add we always look for American sources first and clearly label imported products in our catalog and on our web site.
Share with me what the American flag means and symbolizes to you and if you feel that it should be Made in the USA – scates@carrot-top.com.
Thank you,
Steve A. Cates
Nice! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
As long as you quote us as the source sure!