I went to a department store for a pair of dress shoes recently. The clerk helped me with three different pairs that I tried on.

'The Big Secret' was on the forefront of my mind so I asked, "Are these shoes imports?" The salesman responded that they were in fact imported.  "Do you have any Made In America shoes like these?"  I asked.  To my surprise he said, "We have a whole line of Made In USA shoes." I was able to purchase the same color and style with the Made In USA label. These Made in America shoes were less expensive, came with a better warranty and were more comfortable.

It's amazing how often this simple Made in US question yields unexpected and often times pleasant results.  I now ask this question regularly, whereas before I would not have thought to ask for a Made in America alternative. More often than not, I can find a Made in America product of higher quality and at the same, or slightly higher price.

Asking the question is so simple and can make a positive impact, in both the short and long term.  Try it sometime. If you are like me, you may be surprised with how many Made in US products are out there. You will love it when you realize you are making a difference that benefits many.  With your help America will be ours again and that is a good thing.