As Renewed Spirit to Buy 'Made in America' Sweeps the Country, Vector Marketing Says Being U.S. Made Creates a Winning Situation

WILMINGTON, DE--(Sep 27, 2011) - Earlier this year, ABC World News anchor, Diane Sawyer, implemented a "Made in America" campaign. Sawyer said that nearly 10,000 new jobs for U.S. workers could be created if every American spent an additional $3.33 to purchase U.S.-made goods. As the economy continues to languish and unemployment remains high, Sawyer's pledge echoes a renewed interest in supporting American workers by buying products that are "Made in America."

Sarah Baker Andrus, director of external relations & academic programs for Vector Marketing, the sales division of Cutco Cutlery Corporation, the largest manufacturer and single-level direct seller of high-end kitchen cutlery in North America, points out that Vector Marketing's sales representatives actually find that they have an advantage when selling an American-made product.

"In our experience, when given the opportunity, people prefer to buy products that are made in America," Andrus says. "They feel better about these purchases on many levels, from the quality of the product to the pride of buying American to knowing they are helping the economy and U.S. workers. Savvy companies will proudly let potential buyers know that they are American-made. It is both good for the company and good for the consumer."

Andrus adds that manufacturing its knives in the U.S. creates a synergy between the product and the sales force that would not otherwise be possible. "Our sales representatives are proud to be selling an American-made product," Andrus says. "That pride translates into a palpable energy and excitement that comes through during their sales presentations, and this excitement of course transfers to the customer."

Andrus notes that since Cutco knives are manufactured in the company's facility in Olean, New York, sales representatives have the opportunity to tour the plant and actually meet the people who make the products they sell. Vector Marketing sales reps are also able to confidently tell customers that their knives can be sent back at any time for free sharpening or replacement if broken.

"How many salespeople selling a foreign-made product can say that to their customers?" says Andrus. "There is just no doubt that producing CUTCO knives in America we benefit from a win/win/win relationship between the company, the sales force and the customer that would not otherwise be possible. We believe that if other companies remain committed to keeping their manufacturing at home, they will experience this same positive synergy."