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The Tip is 'Ask Before You Buy' 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. Buying Tip Continued - Read more on Made in America Products by Wagon Train Ventures, LLC DurableToys.com or Wagon Train Ventures, LLC, is a a Mom-run family business owned by Rosemary and Michael Imrick, parents of six children through birth and adoption. Adoption runs in the family for both of us, and ellen-s-cart-goat.jpgwe are now the third generation that has adopted either domestically or internationally. Our eldest teenager arrived in May 2012, and our 13-year-old son arrived home in March 2014. We took over this business from family with the goal of supporting our plans to adopt debt-free, and then expanding the business so we can help other families to do the same (see our Adoption Fundraising page). We are pleased that this business gives us the opportunity to branch out from our usual work as an IT professional and a university English composition instructor, and thereby the means to touch our world in life-changing ways. Every purchase in this store not only supports the craftsmen and companies who make our durable items, it also supports our family's goal to adopt again. See www.KidsWait.org if adoption could be your adventure as well! A Legacy of Quality Wagon Train Ventures, LLC is the next chapter in the 15-year history of quality toys and service on which Rosemary's uncle, Dave McCusker, Jr., built the sterling reputation of his toy business. The McCusker family ventured forth as pioneers in Internet commerce in the 90's and rode the cusp of the Internet commerce wave with the DurableToys.com website. As the second generation in the toy business, we are building on the time-tested McCusker model. Dedication to Durablity In the McCusker footsteps, we search out durable toys for your children and ours. We carry toys made in the USA if at all possible, with a focus on tricycles and the quality wagons made by Amish craftsmen. Amish wagons are a particular interest since Rosemary grew up using an Amish wagon as a goat cart. That wagon is still going strong many years later, as shown in the picture of Rosemary's younger sister now using it with her trained cart goat, Sunflower. For those items we cannot find made by our neighbors in the U.S., we look to quality manufacturers who make their items without taking shortcuts on quality, and without exploiting their hired help. We endeavor to work with talented crafters who are paid fair trade prices for their handiwork. You will find country of origin noted in the description of items we sell. |
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