Veering off topic...

In my view, the brands can have their products made wherever and however they wish. Regardless, I hold them responsible for everything associated with their brands/products -- be it design, materials, workmanship, pricing, or after-sales support.

However they choose to do it, I expect the brands/companies to ensure the quality of their products -- regardless of whether they were made in Shanghai or Seattle. If certain brands/companies choose to cut cost so drastically that they pick the cheapest factories (be they US or foreign) and then skimp on quality inspection -- then the fault lies with those particular brands/companies -- period.

Your friend Mark did the right thing by doing on-site inspections. Too many companies outsource, bank the cost savings, then bury their heads in the sand, hoping either things will come out alright -- or the consumers won't notice. Yeah, we notice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />