To use the term, "Made in America," the FTC requires that all, or virtually all of a product's materials & labor must be of US origin. Historically, companies could make this claim if more than 50% of the product costs related to materials and labor were of US origin. However, this is outdated and the FTC no longer accepts this criteria. Any material or labor not of US origin must be immaterial to the product itself.

While we do offer some products that can make this claim, many of our manufacturers have a significant manufacturing comonent that utilizes American labor, even if materials or components are sourced globally. Because of this, we separate our poducts into four categories, which can be identified by the "Buy American Insights" icons overlaying the product images on our website:

Made in America: These products come from manufacturers who make the claim that all or virtually all of the materials & labor that goes into their products is of US origin. You'll find a few of these on our website.

Finished in America: These products contain a significant American labor component, but parts may be sourced globally. An example would be a chair where frame components are sourced from overseas, but the foam and fabric is sourced in America. American labor is used to upholster the chair prior to shipment. Other examples include painting, staining, embroidering and other laborious finishing options.

Assembled in America: The product may not require finishing, but components may need to be assembled pror to shipment. American labor is used to assemble the product in the final stage.

Imported: We acknowledge that some products are impossible to source domestically. In other situations, a customer may prefer that their desk is Made in America, but they may not care where their chair mat comes from. Other customers may be price-sensitive and acknolwedge that the products with a American manufacturing components are priced higher than imported items, albeit better quality as well. Because of this, we aim to offer a healthy mix of products that have an American manufacturing component and are imported, though we're definitely going to promote and recommend the brands that support American labor - that's in our core values!

We like to promote American jobs. We like companies that promote American jobs. Whenever possible, we'll give priority in marketing and product programs to companies that have an American manufacturing component. Does it have to meet FTC "Made in the USA" criteria? Well, that's tough. In an ideal world, it would. However, we acknowledge the reality that we live in a global economy. Certain types of manufacturing (ex. the majority of plastic molding) are no longer available in the US. And ultimately, with various upstream suppliers for components, paints, raw materials, and other portions of production, it would be next to impossible in many cases to verify with 100% validity that every component of an item was made in the USA.

So ultimately - we like to advocate for products that have a significant American manufacturing component. There is no doubt that these products are creating American jobs, and ultimately offer better quality than a 100% imported product.

To give the freedom of choice. We provide the information & recommendation - you make the final choice. A customer may prefer that their desk is Made in the USA, but may not care where their filing cabinet originates from. Some customers may not have the budget to purchase 100% American, but they can allocate budget where appropriate on their project for at least some of the core pieces. And unfortunately, in some categories, there are very few or zero choices for a USA source. That said, we try to offer an option with an American manufacturing component in as many categories as possible, and will promote those products over imported options.