Sears' response on tools made in China

[brickG-man]

While checking out some Craftsman tools online and discovering too many made in China for my liking, I decided to drop them a quick note on their comment section. Although my email to them was just a spur of the moment thought and not necessarily overly substantive, it is attached however, their response as to what led to their decision may be of interest.


Good afternoon Mr. Smith,

Thank you for contacting Sears.com.

We appreciate your loyalty to the Craftsman brand. Please understand that our decision to manufacture some of our Craftsman tools outside the United States was not made lightly. Craftsman customers demand a high quality product at a value added price point and that it be backed by our Forever warranty. In order to be able to deliver all three of these benefits, we decided to manufacture some of our Craftsman tools outside of the USA. We hope you will continue to support the Craftsman brand.
We appreciate your business and hope you will continue to make Sears Holdings your choice for quality and value. Please let us know if we can assist you further. We are here to help.

Join our Shop Max® program today and enjoy free shipping on millions of eligible items for the next 90 days! Click Here to add Shop Max® to your cart and enter the coupon code MAXCALL1 on the checkout page! View terms and conditions.

Anne B.
Sears Customer Care
[email protected]
1-800-366-3028

Original Message Follows:

Comments: Why is Sears/Craftsman throwing away decades of reputation by having most of your mechanics tools now made in China. Craftsman was the one name that many professionals/home mechanics/handymen used to be able to count on for quality. Chinese tools are not the same quality and experienced users know the difference. Please see the error of your ways and switch back to quality US made tools before it puts the Craftsman name out of business!
Thank you
Joe Smith

 

[zakmartin]

Nice corporate boilerplate response. It basically says, "yada yada yada."

 

[383 240z]

boiler plate is good US made high quality steel. Unlike most Craftsman tools. Keith

 

[uniballer]

They make me sad, Used to believe in craftsman, now just any craftsman made before 90's. Craftsman sold out to save a buck, POS! I would rather pay little more just to see them stay in USA!!!

 

[davesnothere]

Sounds like a pretty good answer to me.
It still *****, but it is what it is.

 

[Exceller8]

Good thing there is plenty of used (USA) stuff still around. I picked up a Craftsman flare nut wrench set for $9 today at the Swap Meet in perfect condition.

 

[mayday0017]

kinda funny Craftsman is making cheaper tools to compete with Harborfreight and harborfreight is moving out of china to india and other countrys and raising their prices.... I'm scared that craftsman just might be the new horable freight

 

[IMStuner]

Is there any real proof the made in China Craftsman tools are made to a lower grade. It's not where it's made that matter on quality but the whole QC process. I rather have the tools made here in the U.S. but it's going to cost more to produce and would you guys that complain about where it's made have a problem with paying 30 to 40% more on the tools?

 

[justanengineer]

Craftsman customers demand a high quality product at a value added price point and that it be backed by our Forever warranty. In order to be able to deliver all three of these benefits, we decided to manufacture some of our Craftsman tools outside of the USA.

IOW - Most customers DEMAND SO quality, HF pricing, and to be protected from their own abuse and stupidity for decades...sounds like many of those I deal with.

Realistically I think Cman was trying to fit a niche somewhere between HF and SO w/the USA made tools and it just got too expensive for them. I would say their customer base is mostly the HF "cheap is good" mentality, so they needed to offshore, lower their costs, and compette head to head w/HF.

 

[skiingman]

Is there any real proof the made in China Craftsman tools are made to a lower grade. It's not where it's made that matter on quality but the whole QC process. I rather have the tools made here in the U.S. but it's going to cost more to produce and would you guys that complain about where it's made have a problem with paying 30 to 40% more on the tools?

There is a big enough diff in the wrenches that it would be obvious to someone who knows very little about tools that the Chinese lobster claws are inferior. No qc analyst needed.

 

[CWP1616L]

Craftsman customers demand a high quality product at a value added price point and that it be backed by our Forever warranty. In order to be able to deliver all three of these benefits, we decided to manufacture some of our Craftsman tools outside of the USA.

And for some unknown reason, Danaher Tool Group is not able to provide Sears with that service anymore.

 

[woody 73]

You must keep in mind that we on the GJ are but just a small speck of dust about keeping the made in the USA in the USA.

Lets take the street I live on I have several neighbors that are my age and a few younger and a few older, I can assure you that they (including my wife) could not give a monkeys about where the tool is made as long as it is cheap and they have some kind of replacement warranty. Trust me on this one, because I have talked to all my neighbors and I have seen some of their working tools.

What I find sad is that our labor force is out of work and the new labor force in China gets paid so little and we pay such a high price for the new chinese tool in question.

 

[thesilverone]

they (craftsman) don't care

 

[IMStuner]

There is a big enough diff in the wrenches that it would be obvious to someone who knows very little about tools that the Chinese lobster claws are inferior. No qc analyst needed.

All of the Craftsman tools I own are made in the U.S. Most of them are 10 years old and counting. I'll have to go to sears and pick up a Chinese made ones and compare. I been to HF a few times and never got anything there. I think some of the member's just expect to much from HF and Sears for the price you pay. Everything is more expensive now and the target consumer for sears has changed too.

 

[woody 73]

And What I find even sadder is that when we ship all that product into the United States we are bringing in all those invasive insects that have no enemies and they are killing our trees at a terrific rate; don't even get me started on all the ash tree death in Ohio.

sorry end of rant...

 

[mooseracing]

they (craftsman) don't care

I would say we don't care. If they could make enough money to keep the shareholders happy, and the majority of consumers would support it, they would still be made here.


We have no one to blame but ourselves.

 

[Cobra4B]

I would say we don't care. If they could make enough money to keep the shareholders happy, and the majority of consumers would support it, they would still be made here.


We have no one to blame but ourselves.

Exactly... Sears exists to make a return on investment. No return = investors invest their capital elsewhere.

I don't like seeing Craftsman, a quality brand I grew up with, being made in China, but it's that or nothing. Personally I own older C-man stuff and avoid buying new if I can. I buy most of my stuff 2nd hand or have inherited it from my grandfather.

 

[b1ghwx]

...I can assure you that they (including my wife) could not give a monkeys about where the tool is made as long as it is cheap and they have some kind of replacement warranty. Trust me on this one, because I have talked to all my neighbors and I have seen some of their working tools.

What I find sad is that our labor force is out of work and the new labor force in China gets paid so little and we pay such a high price for the new chinese tool in question.

Frankly I don't care where its made but I would prefer USA made.

All who talk about 'labor costs' are being naive. This is bigger than labor costs - as in salary. Companies move production over seas for more reasons than wages. The move because of GOVT REGULATIONS, Unions, EPA etc. The actual wages paid don't really move the needle as much as you might imagine.

As soon as we create an attractive business climate here - jobs will flood back. Companies are in business to make money - not employ people. We have to financially compete - eliminate corporate taxes and drastically overhaul regulations.

Try to create a small foundry today, to forge tools.... go ahead, try

 

[marlinspike]

I was never really impressed with the USA Craftsman tools either. Their screwdrivers are still made in USA, and are still ****.

That said, at the price they're charging, with the lifetime warranty thing (which, as we see on this forum leads to people bringing in 30 year old ratchets to exchange), how could they turn a profit if they didn't outsource to China?

 

[kc-steve]

Craftsman customers demand a high quality product at a value added price point and that it be backed by our Forever warranty. In order to be able to deliver all three of these benefits, we decided to manufacture some of our Craftsman tools outside of the USA.

I hate buzz words, but Anne B. and her cohorts have decided that Craftsman consumers will only pay a specific price for what Craftsman offers. Their costs continue to rise so to continue being profitable they decided to manufacture the tools overseas at lower costs.

So yes, they are blaming the consumer for demanding low prices. I rarely buy any at full retail prices and they see that for many of us I suppose. Too bad they aren't analyzing purchases of the overseas made tools compared to USA-made tools. I'm sure that would tell the tale. It's time to vote with your wallet and just stop buying Craftsman period.

Steve

 

[restorick]

I was never really impressed with the USA Craftsman tools either. Their screwdrivers are still made in USA, and are still ****.

That said, at the price they're charging, with the lifetime warranty thing (which, as we see on this forum leads to people bringing in 30 year old ratchets to exchange), how could they turn a profit if they didn't outsource to China?

BINGO!

There are plenty of made in USA tools out there, if you're willing to foot the bill. On the flip side - if you can't afford or choose not to spend Snap-On $$, there are plenty of good tools made overseas. Or if you're willing to hunt for deals, you can find lots of good, used USA made tools all over.


I challenge anyone who bellows on about Craftsman made overseas to look at the clothes, appliances and plastic items sold at Sears. I'd wager that the lion's share comes from somewhere on the Pacific Rim.

My hobby is rebuilding old woodworking and metalworking machinery. I got into the hobby because 15 years ago the Chiwanese stuff was marginal at best. I could find WWII vintage American iron for a fraction of the cost and resurrect it for less than buying shiny new green machines, and each of the machines tells a story. Not to mention that they are smooth as silk and cool as hell.

Even American stalwarts have to make money to please investors. Delta sold out as did Powermatic. I wouldn't be inclined to buy any of their machines new, but if I found a 40's vintage Unisaw or a 60's vintage PM drill press, I'd be all over it.

Is it sad that the Craftsman brand is pretty much gone? Yes, but it's a fact of life.

Restorick

 

[restorick]

I hate buzz words, but Anne B. and her cohorts have decided that Craftsman consumers will only pay a specific price for what Craftsman offers. Their costs continue to rise so to continue being profitable they decided to manufacture the tools overseas at lower costs.

So yes, they are blaming the consumer for demanding low prices. I rarely buy any at full retail prices and they see that for many of us I suppose.

Steve

Disagree 100%. You just hit the nail on the head when you said you won't pay full retail. Well, they need to make money or the whole shooting match goes away.

They're not blaming consumers - they're evolving to consumer demand.

Restorick

 

[bdamico]

every week. Ra ra ra. They took r jobs. ra ra ra....They Took Our Jobs, Took Errr Jerbs, dey turk err jurbz, theeey durrrka duuuuurrr, Durka Durrr.

south park. hehe
http://www.theytookourjobs.com/

 

[Cobra4B]

Disagree 100%. You just hit the nail on the head when you said you won't pay full retail. Well, they need to make money or the whole shooting match goes away.

They're not blaming consumers - they're evolving to consumer demand.

Restorick

Exactly... the entire scenario mimics what's happening in all areas of our economy and why the Walton family is worth so many billions. People want it cheap and they want it now. I mean I'm the same way... I needed a new vise when mine broke. I'm not about to pay hundreds for one. I shopped for a vintage domestic one for a few days but broke down and bought a "made in china" one with a 1 year warranty from Sears.

 

[kc-steve]

Disagree 100%. You just hit the nail on the head when you said you won't pay full retail. Well, they need to make money or the whole shooting match goes away.

They're not blaming consumers - they're evolving to consumer demand.

Restorick

No, I think you missed MY point. The first paragraph was my interpretation of what she said. My second paragraph has to with others here. I sell tools online and a large number are Craftsman because Craftsman is the most popular brand in tools. But if Sears wants to destroy their business I guess I'll take the hit as well. When the US labor force continues to fall, now at 63-percent, lowest in 10 years, it doesn't matter what your prices are because fewer people have a job or the money to buy them.

Steve

 

[b1ghwx]

....When the US labor force continues to fall, now at 63-percent, lowest in 10 years, it doesn't matter what your prices are because fewer people have a job or the money to buy them.

Lowest since 1979.

 

[kc-steve]

Here's a chart and data from the US Department of Labor, dated Sept 2012. This only covers the last ten years.

 

[marlinspike]

Exactly... the entire scenario mimics what's happening in all areas of our economy and why the Walton family is worth so many billions. People want it cheap and they want it now. I mean I'm the same way... I needed a new vise when mine broke. I'm not about to pay hundreds for one. I shopped for a vintage domestic one for a few days but broke down and bought a "made in china" one with a 1 year warranty from Sears.

That said, there will always be people who appreciate quality, and understand buy quality and you cry once, buy cheap and you cry twice. That's why guys like Ash exist, and that's why until the end of 2009 Germany was the world's number 1 exporter, despite being a tiny country.
You just can't operate a nationwide retail store that way in the US because our people seem driven towards a world of disposable goods.

 

[restorick]

No, I think you missed MY point. The first paragraph was my interpretation of what she said. My second paragraph has to with others here. I sell tools online and a large number are Craftsman because Craftsman is the most popular brand in tools. But if Sears wants to destroy their business I guess I'll take the hit as well. When the US labor force continues to fall, now at 63-percent, lowest in 10 years, it doesn't matter what your prices are because fewer people have a job or the money to buy them.

Steve,

We could get into a really deep discussion here about cause and effect, but in the end what is happening is the natural maturation process of markets. For commodity items (and for many, tools are seen as commodities), people want immediate gratification for little $$.

I don't see Sears destroying their business because the majority of the other items they sell in their stores already come from China. They'll save - literally - a boatload in $$ because they can fill containers of clothing with tools as well.

We can all wax poetic about how Sears should be the "good guy" and keep employing US workers by going "made in USA", but you can be sure that they did extensive marketing and financial research and determined that their target customer doesn't care where the tools are made, so long as they think they're getting a good deal.

Rick

 

[b1ghwx]

You can change the 'from' - 'to' dates on that page

 

[Perrorojo]

^^^^^^Baby Boomers retiring and good money for unemployment are going to keep it moving that way.

 

[kc-steve]

I don't "wax poetic" Rick. I have a degree in economics. Smith's excellent works centuries ago discussed the importance of trading between neighbors, to keep them employed at a time when villages were centers of commerce.

Steve

 

[kc-steve]

You can change the 'from' - 'to' dates on that page

Thanks, I think the last ten years show the labor force participation rate better since it also shows the profound drop in the last four years. (Hint)

Steve

 

[itguy08]

There is a big enough diff in the wrenches that it would be obvious to someone who knows very little about tools that the Chinese lobster claws are inferior. No qc analyst needed.

How so? Just because they have a lobster claw? Do they break at the same torque level? Are the jaws within the same tolerances? Is the 12-point part the same specs, etc?

Just because something looks inferior doesn't make it so.

 

[Farmall450]

boiler plate is good US made high quality steel. Unlike most Craftsman tools. Keith

Yup.

 

[shoturtle]

Is there any real proof the made in China Craftsman tools are made to a lower grade. It's not where it's made that matter on quality but the whole QC process. I rather have the tools made here in the U.S. but it's going to cost more to produce and would you guys that complain about where it's made have a problem with paying 30 to 40% more on the tools?

Most here would not buy craftsman pros made in the USA at 150 for a set of 13 or when they were on sale for 90, it was not until sears put the craftsman industrial at 60 bucks before people here brought them. So at the end of the day, all the complaining about being off shore, price is the big factor. IMHO the USA craftsman pro 13pc set was a bargain at 150 and a super deal at 90. But most non pros are too price conscious to pay more then 60 dollars for any made set, and will play the coo card. And I am sure they will not go out and buy a USA made set of wrenches form SO, Proto and other big name for 200-300 for a set of wrenches.

Sears needs to get their tools inline with HF and HD and Lowes. And the US made stuff is more expensive. And the majority of the buyers care about price above all.

 

[marlinspike]

How so? Just because they have a lobster claw? Do they break at the same torque level? Are the jaws within the same tolerances? Is the 12-point part the same specs, etc?

Just because something looks inferior doesn't make it so.

Having a larger external diameter IS a big part of what makes an inferior tool inferior.

As far as the tolerances, from what I saw when I was in Sears lately, they are miserably bad. Put the display 5/16" wrench on a 5/16" nut...if my Hazet were so loose, I'd go down another size because it would have meant I grabbed the wrong wrench.

 

[Farmall450]

I was never really impressed with the USA Craftsman tools either. Their screwdrivers are still made in USA, and are still ****.

That said, at the price they're charging, with the lifetime warranty thing (which, as we see on this forum leads to people bringing in 30 year old ratchets to exchange), how could they turn a profit if they didn't outsource to China?

They'll probably find if they bring in inferior tools there will just be more returns...then again we'll all baby them so we don't have to return for foreign ****!

 

[lilscorpion]

I would say we don't care. If they could make enough money to keep the shareholders happy, and the majority of consumers would support it, they would still be made here.


We have no one to blame but ourselves.

It's shareholder greed, executive greed/bloat, and customer stinginess that got us where we are. Where we end up is yet to be determined. I'd have all SO if I could afford it. Sadly it's a
numbers game for all of us on both sides. To get the industry to change, we as
consumers, need to change.

 

[CWP1616L]

I watch the people that go into the Sears tool section. All they do is look at the price; they couldn't care less where the tool is made. It takes all the willpower I got to keep from saying something to them.