Did you know that 70% of Americans will pay more for products made in America?
In fact, surveys have shown that nearly 70% of Americans prefer products made in the USA, and a significant majority, more than 83%, are willing to pay up to 20% more for these products. And this preference and willingness to pay more for American-made are influenced by perceptions of quality, support for the economy, and other factors.
Given these numbers, that’s a huge opportunity for small business owners and one-person shops! Let’s look at how you can use the “Made in America” trend to help your business stand out and grow.
Why Americans Love USA-Made Products
People want to buy American-made products for several reasons:
- They want to support jobs in their communities
- They care about shorter shipping distances and less pollution
- They trust that workers are treated fairly
- They believe American-made products are higher quality
The government is helping too. New tax breaks for companies that make things here and higher taxes on imported goods make it easier to compete when making products in America.
Small Businesses Have the Edge
Big companies take forever to change direction. You don’t! As a small business owner, you can quickly adapt to what customers want. If you make candles in your kitchen or craft wooden toys in your garage, you can proudly tell customers your products are 100% American-made.
Take Sarah, who started making leather wallets and bags in her basement. By stamping “Handcrafted in Colorado” on each item, she was able to charge $30 more per bag. Her customers loved knowing exactly who made their bags and where the materials came from.
How to Show Off Your American-Made Products
Make it Clear on Everything
Put “Made in USA” on your:
- Product tags and packaging
- Website (especially your home page)
- Business cards
- Social media profiles
- Email signature
Share Your Story
People connect with real stories. Tell them:
- Why you decided to make products in America
- Where you get your materials
- Who helps you make your products
- What challenges you’ve overcome to keep production local
James, a small batch hot sauce maker, shares videos of himself picking peppers from local farms. His customers feel like they’re part of his journey.
Team Up with Other American Suppliers
Find other small American businesses to work with:
- Local farmers for ingredients
- Nearby factories for parts
- Community craftspeople for specialized work
A small t-shirt company in Michigan partners with local screen printers and uses cotton grown in Texas. They talk about this “all-American supply chain” in their marketing, and customers love it.
Get Social About It
Show off your American production:
- Post photos of your workshop
- Share videos of products being made
- Use hashtags like #MadeInUSA and #AmericanMade
- Tag other American-made brands you love
Local news stations often look for hometown success stories. Reach out and tell them how you’re bringing jobs to the area.
Tell Customers Why It Matters
Explain the benefits of buying American-made:
- Every purchase supports about 3 American jobs
- Stricter safety standards mean better products
- Less shipping means less pollution
- Workers are paid fair wages
Make a simple chart comparing American-made vs. imported products in your industry. Show the real differences in quality, safety, and environmental impact.
The Long-Term Payoff
When you build your brand around “Made in America,” you’re not just selling products—you’re selling values. Customers who share these values will:
- Come back again and again
- Tell their friends about you
- Pay more for your products
- Feel good about supporting you
Even if your prices are higher than imported alternatives, many customers will choose you because they care about more than just the lowest price.
Whether you’re making soap in your kitchen, selling handmade jewelry online, or running a small clothing brand, your American-made status is a powerful selling point. Use it proudly, talk about it often, and watch your business grow!
Nearly 70% of Americans will pay more for products made in the USA! That's a huge opportunity for small business owners and one-person shops! Share on X
Note: Some links on this page are affiliate links meaning that if you click on my link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. It does not however affect the price you pay. Plus, it’s a great way to support me and the content I’m providing.
