I went all out this year and bought some decent Christmas presents for my family members. The problem is that due to the holiday rush, I wasn't vigilant in checking to see that the products I bought were made in the USA, as I normally due.
Well, first of all I spent $200 plus on a Farberware electronic pressure cooker for my mom. I found the place with the cheapest price on the internet to buy this. When it arrived I noticed a huge "made in China" printed on the outer cardboard box. I thought nothing of this, because the boys in China have to eat too. However when my mom opened the box and found the enitire face panel of the control buttons missing, this got me a bit steamed. Oh well, just a fluke right?
Next, I also bought a shop style floor-jack for my dad. I had no choice in the matter, because all of these seem to be made in China (even the Craftsmans). Well we put the thing together and try it out on his truck. Lo and behold, the Chinese made cast iron breaks and one of the casters is lying on its side.
Finally, the straw that broke the camel's back, and prompted me to post this, was my little nephew's mini-car. He brings me this Maisto mini car kit that contains parts for you to build your own car. Simple enough. Well I get all the decals, wheels, plastic glass and things in place when what do I find? No screws.
Up till now, I have dealt with the fact that Chinese products have an average life expectancy of 1 month. But parts blatantly missing right out the box and pieces falling off the first time I use it? This IS the last draw. Caveat Emptor! (Buyer beware!)