With the recall scares of 2007 who can blame the consumer for taking a microscopic look at the products they purchase for the children in their life? The fine print that occupies the back of product packaging "Made in..." screams louder than ever before. For many consumers "Made in China" carries the same weight as a product bearing the skull and crossbones symbol. To some, products made in China are dangerous, cheap and contributing to the faltering economy in the US. Therefore, any US retailer that sells products, manufactured in China, must not care about the quality and safety of the products they sell, or, how free trade is devouring economic opportunities in our own country.
WOW, do we feel the need to set the record straight. Yes, we sell products manufactured in China - as well as, the USA, Canada, Germany, Poland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Mexico. Because we are an American company, we gladly support and celebrate any products manufactured in the USA. At Thinkbutton we try to offer as many US products as possible that fall within our company criteria. We are proud to be an American company and feel extremely fortunate to operate in a country that affords individuals such bountiful opportunities.
However, our sales are global and part of our company philosophy is celebrating world culture and diversity. So, it does not make sense for us to boycott one of the largest and most populated countries in the world. Although Chinese manufacturers seem to take the biggest hit in recalls, it is important to note what types of products are compromised and the typical retailer that sells them. Neither of which category Thinkbutton falls within.
We are not excusing the use of unsafe materials and processes in the recalled products. We find the actions of these manufacturing facilities disturbing and feel changes need to occur, within the industry, to ensure our children are safe. We have taken a hard look at our suppliers and we are confident in the safety and quality of all the products we sell. Unfortunately, recalls can happen to even the most diligent and well-intentioned company. What consumers must look out for is how the manufacturer / supplier resolves the issue and what their overall track record has been. In 7 years of business we have never experienced a recall from any of our suppliers!
Our suppliers represent diverse manufacturing centers and techniques from around the world. These companies are as different as the countries they represent, as well as, similar in the way the products are tested for safety and quality. For example, we offer a variety of
beautifully crafted wooden toys. The Pull-along Toad is manufactured in Vermont, USA. The Wooden Arctic Expedition Set is hand-made in a small town in China. The Wooden Mix and Match Set is manufactured in Germany. All these products are made from durable wood and finished with child-safe paints that meet or exceed US and European Toy Safety Standards.
We believe in our products and all the countries they represent. We are proud that our product selection represents innovation and hard-work from around the world. As we are small, most of our suppliers are as well. Much like Thinkbutton, they strive to provide products that are high-quality, safe, and, in many instances, environmentally responsible.
As a consumer, one must keep in mind that the concept of "discount" goes beyond the retail cost of a product. If you are paying very little for a product then so is the retailer, the supplier and the manufacturer. Low costs often result in low standards.
