100% of what I sell comes from China. Yes I have been concerned. Recent events in world trade could force me into retirement. Being I’m well past retirement age, people often ask why?
Why aren’t you retired? My answer is “I don’t hunt, fish, smoke, drink or play golf, I wouldn’t have anything else to do.” I’m sure I could find something else to do, but I also employ people. People that have worked with me for a couple of decades, and more. I think they like their jobs, we are like family. This biz / hobby of mine extends nationwide, with a brand name that I came up with and promoted by attending conferences and advertising in trade publications. I started this business on my own, I wasn’t born into it, My Dad was against it. I didn’t go to some fancy trade (law) school to learn it. It was all from experience. Learning what worked and didn’t work.
As to the trade issue that was preached about in this publication recently, it’s about time!
The US has been the “nice guy” far too long. We’re China’s #1 market for what they produce, and they are constantly taking advantage of us instead of appreciating the business. I didn’t go to law school and learn to regurgitate a lot of “facts,” but I have been to China several times!
I’ve been to the factories, seen the people, and heard what factory managers have to deal with.
I’ve seen people working in factories that are glad to be there instead of stuck on the farm. People that are excited about a hamburger at McDonald’s. They remind me of an uncle of mine who during the depression got a job as a deckhand on a barge on the Mississippi River. He told me his objective in getting that job was “three hots and a flop.” (three meals and a bed).
He worked up to being a captain on not only the Mississippi but other rivers too.
I am concerned about those people's jobs too, but the bottom line is we cannot continue to be the “nice guy” when we’re being taken advantage of. We need China and China needs us.
Recently I saw comments about a MAGA cap with the “made in China” label on it. The person posting was making a political point but has no concept of business. As if you could make such a cap here at a price the masses could afford? And I guess that person posting about this has no concern about the Chinese factory worker's ability to have a rare treat at McDonald’s?
There’s plenty of things made there that could be made here, and a lot that can't.
This goes beyond China too. Other countries take advantage of us, the USA too. While attending a pharmacy conference in Naples, Florida, I met a gentleman that owned several pharmacies in Canada. He liked what I offered and wanted to put it in his stores. The difference in the Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar was a minor problem, but one we could deal with. The real problem was the 30% tariff Canada would add to the cost.
Yes, I have been concerned. Fortunately when this all came up I did some figuring and based on historical sales I currently have enough inventory to last over six months. My Asian agent also has a domestic warehouse where I was able to purchase another six months worth of inventory that would blend in with what I offer. Having an over 30 year relationship with him and being able to pay immediately made this possible.
So while I’m concerned, I’m not worried. We’re taking on a bully that needs to be taken on, and as I’ve learned from some friends of mine, “this too shall pass, one day at a time.”
Al Underwood is a Northsider.
