{"id":3838,"date":"2013-10-11T14:34:06","date_gmt":"2013-10-11T18:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/info.usa-c.com\/?page_id=3838"},"modified":"2013-10-11T14:34:06","modified_gmt":"2013-10-11T18:34:06","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/?page_id=3838","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

FAQ\u2019s<\/h1>\n
\n

Q: What\u2019s the background to Made in USA Certified?
\n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0Many U.S. manufacturers were upset there was limited oversight and enforcement when it came to claiming a product was made in the USA.\u00a0 They complained many of their competitors were actually importing products and a large percentage of their components and then \u201cclaiming\u201d they were made in the USA on their product and packaging.<\/p>\n

There was no regulator or anyone checking this claim, so, these companies were able to falsely make the made in the USA claim and underprice the true made in the USA manufacturers.\u00a0\u00a0 A system was needed to help protect the truthful claims of these U.S. manufacturers from the misleading ones.<\/p>\n

Q: What is your certification company\u2019s definition of Made in USA Certified\u00ae?
\nA:<\/strong>\u00a0We have a proprietary supply chain audit system we use to identify percentage of U.S. components within a product.\u00a0\u00a0Our audit process gives us a very clear view of a products supply chain.<\/p>\n

To help ensure\u00a0transparency\u00a0and clarification for consumers wanting to purchase \u201cMade in USA\u201d products; Made in USA Certified now offers (4) distinct seals available to manufacturers based on the \u00a0percentage of U.S. content within their products:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Made in USA Certified Seal at (100% U.S. Content)<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Made in USA Certified Qualified Seal at (90% > U.S. Content)<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. <\/strong>Made in USA Certified Qualified Seal at (75% > U.S. Content)<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. Made in USA Certified Qualified Seal at (51% > U.S. Content)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Product of USA Certified Seal, Grown in USA Certified Seal require\u00a0100%<\/strong>\u00a0U.S. content. \u00a0The Service in USA Certified Seal requires\u00a0100%<\/strong>\u00a0of the labor force be in the United States of America.<\/p>\n

    Q: What is being certified exactly?
    \n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0To be Made in USA Certified\u00ae means you have met our standards for making the claim \u201cMade in USA\u201d. \u00a0It reflects you have undergone a rigorous supply chain audit verifying percentage of U.S. components as well as last place of substantial transformation.<\/p>\n

    Certified companies have proved to a third party, independent group that their claim is true and verifiable.\u00a0 They have shown 100% transparency with their supply chain and have rightfully earned our coveted certification to brand their products.<\/p>\n

    These companies don\u2019t just \u201csay\u201d they are \u201cMade in USA\u201d or \u201cProduct of USA\u201d or \u201cService in USA\u201d- they have proved it to an independent third party.\u00a0 That is huge.<\/p>\n

    Q:What are the certifications received?
    \n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0We have four different certifications that we grant companies.\u00a0 \u201cMade in USA Certification\u201d with or without the \u201cQualified Statement\u201d for most manufactured goods.\u00a0 \u201cProduct of USA Certification\u201d is for food products that are grown, raised or produced.\u00a0 \u201cService in USA Certification\u201d is for service based businesses in the U. S., like call centers, customer support, software developers, and accounting, etc.<\/p>\n

    Q: How does a company, product, or service qualify to be certified?
    \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0They qualify through a full supply chain audit using our internal audit structure.\u00a0 Once this process is complete, our company determines if a company, product or service qualifies for our certification.\u00a0 Companies that qualify are issued a unique identifying number and all logos, seals and licensed wordage.<\/p>\n

    Q: What is the process to obtain certification?
    \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0If a company wishes to obtain certification, they first contact our company via the web and request a free, no-obligation quote on-line.\u00a0 This form asks a series of questions that give our company a general idea of the type of business, their size, products and number of components.<\/p>\n

    From there we are able to generate a basic quote based on the size of their company, how many products they wish to certify and the number of components required for us to audit.\u00a0 If the company accepts this quote and wishes to proceed, we issue initial documents that include a nondisclosure agreement and an understanding of our licensing agreement.<\/p>\n

    We also issue a request for a complete list of the company\u2019s supply chain for each product to be certified.\u00a0 All this documentation is done electronically with a highly efficient digital signature and notary program.<\/p>\n

    Once our company receives all the completed documentation and payment, our team begins the process of verifying the country of origin for each component and supplier.\u00a0 This process can take anywhere from three hours to eight weeks depending on a variety of factors.<\/p>\n

    Q: Manufacturing logistics and resource supply can be fluid.\u00a0 How do you take this into account once a made in USA certification has been given?
    \n<\/strong>A: We recognize these ongoing factors.\u00a0 We address this issue clearly in writing in our initial documentation requesting supply chain information.<\/p>\n

    Each certified company signs an agreement that if for any reason their vendors should change, it is their obligation and sole\u00a0responsibility\u00a0to immediately notify us with the information. \u00a0If a company does not update us on a supplier change, they risk having their\u00a0certification\u00a0temporarily or even permanently revoked.<\/p>\n

    There is a clear understanding of this with all our certified companies from the onset, and we get this in writing. \u00a0All of our certified companies have done an excellent job of keeping this information accurate and current.\u00a0 So far, no company\u2019s certification has been revoked for this reason.<\/p>\n

    Q: Do companies seek out this certification?
    \nA:<\/strong>\u00a0Yes. \u00a0\u00a0Many companies are looking for independent verification for government contracts and need to prove they are \u201cmade in the USA\u201d to qualify them in the bidding process.<\/p>\n

    Many companies also recognize the powerful marketing tool our seal is for their brand and product line.\u00a0 We lend third party instant credibility to the verification and certification of being \u201cMade in USA\u201d, \u201cProduct of USA\u201d, and \u201cService in USA\u201d claims.<\/p>\n

    Q: Does your company seek out U.S. products for certification?
    \n<\/strong>A: Yes, our company is always looking for passionate companies that manufacture here in the U.S. with products that qualify for certification.\u00a0 The more products we have certified out in the marketplace, the better\u00a0it is\u00a0for our country and consumers.<\/p>\n

    Q: Why is a \u201cMade in USA\u201d certification important?
    \n<\/strong>A: Our certification is extremely important because currently we are the only company that truly verifies country of origin for a product\u2019s entire supply chain. There is no real regulation in the use of the \u201cmade in the U.S.\u201d claim and it is very easy for anyone to slap a flag on their product or type the words \u201cmade in USA\u201d.\u00a0 The consumer has no way of telling if this claim is true, they literally have to take the company\u2019s word for it.<\/p>\n

    Companies need to be aware that there are a few businesses that have popped up to ride on the \u201cmade in USA\u201d bandwagon and now say they \u201ccertify\u201d made in USA claims.\u00a0 But, our investigations have found that their application process is lax and it is simply an on-line form.<\/p>\n

    Our company actually goes in and verifies country of origin for the main\u00a0components.\u00a0 Every supplier is contacted by our companies Audit Department.\u00a0 There is no other company that does this to the extent we do.\u00a0 But, that is why our certification is so extremely valuable.\u00a0 We do the work required to verify that a products claim truly is valid.\u00a0 We don\u2019t just take their word for it \u2013 we take the time to actually verify it.<\/p>\n

    So much so, that we have earned a reputation in the industry as the leaders in certification for the \u201cmade in USA\u201d, \u201cproduct of USA\u201d and \u201cservice in USA\u201d claims, and have been endorsed by President Bill Clinton, Democratic Whip & Leader of the Make it in America agenda for the White House, Steny Hoyer along with Republican Senator, George LeMieux.<\/p>\n

    Q: What benefits do companies receive by being certified?
    \n<\/strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>Many of our certified clients have seen tremendous growth in their businesses that they directly attribute to the fact that they are certified.\u00a0 Many have acquired large export contracts and other have expanded their facilities and hired many more workers.<\/p>\n

    Truly our goal is to help companies maximize their authentic \u201cMade in USA\u201d brand equity so, they can flourish, grow and create more jobs.\u00a0 We proudly stand with our member companies to 1) promote \u201cMade in USA\u201d products & brands 2) raise awareness of the importance of Buying American\u00a03) advocate on behalf of U.S. manufacturers, producers and service providers.<\/p>\n

    Additionally our certification enhances and builds brands, expands customer base, differentiates brands from their competitors, influences purchasing decisions, strengthens brands for exports and allow companies the opportunity to tell their \u201cMade in USA\u201d story.<\/p>\n

    Q: What benefits do consumers receive by knowing what products are certified?
    \n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0Consumers that see the \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d, \u201cProduct of USA\u201d, or \u201cService in USA\u201d seals or logos instantly know an independent, third party verified the claims to be true.\u00a0 This gives consumers a recognizable symbol to easily identify products that have been certified, and it gives them added assurance the claim is truthful.<\/p>\n

    Q: Do you believe the majority of Americans look for products and services made in the U.S. as a part of their purchasing decision?
    \n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>Absolutely.\u00a0 We see it everywhere from ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, to headline news almost daily.\u00a0 Our unemployment numbers that have hovered over 8% the last 3 years is a constant reminder of the 2.8 million jobs that we have shipped overseas over the last decade.<\/p>\n

    Now more than ever, consumers are actively looking to buy \u201cMade in USA\u201d. Consumers are checking labels and making much more conscientious decisions. Buy Local movements are springing up everywhere.<\/p>\n

    Without a doubt the country of origin differentiates U.S. goods from their competition. Multiple recent studies have shown that countries of origin have an impact on the willingness of customers to buy a product.<\/p>\n

    This finding suggests that consumers have a relative preference to buy products from their own country. A survey by FIND\/SVP found \u201c83% of respondents said they would buy \u201cMade in America\u201d products as their first choice if given the option between goods made in the U.S. and those made abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Additionally, according to Moody\u2019s Economy.com, if every American spent an extra $3.33 on U.S. made goods every year, it would create nearly 10,000 new jobs.\u00a0 So, the good feeling of buying \u201cMade in USA\u201d not only supports companies to stay in business,\u00a0it actually creates jobs.\u00a0 Now that is something we get really excited about.<\/p>\n

    Q: Especially in today\u2019s world of prices increasing weekly it seems on many staples, do you believe most Americans will put aside the preference, if one, for products made in the U.S. for a lower price point for products made in other countries?
    \n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0Now more than ever consumers see the connection between U.S. jobs and buying American.\u00a0 There is this false notion that if it is made in the U.S., it must be more expensive.\u00a0 That is just not always the case.<\/p>\n

    We believe there is a rise in \u201cconscious consumerism\u201d resulting in consumers making less but more thoughtful purchases. \u00a0\u00a0We all have seen what the flood of cheap goods has done to our jobs and our economy.\u00a0 We believe consumers are consciously moving away from that purchasing behavior.<\/p>\n

    The United States has always been able to compete on quality, innovation and design.\u00a0 There is a pride resurfacing in America and the smart companies will take this opportunity to fully capitalize on this patriotic new wave we are experiencing across the board.<\/p>\n

    Q: What impact do you see on U.S. consumers coming from the World Trade Organization\u2019s (WTO) recent final ruling against the use of the U.S. mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL Act) on agricultural products like meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables?
    \n<\/strong>A:<\/strong>We have been very outspoken in regards to this final ruling and have written several articles addressing our concerns.\u00a0 The consensus from consumers on this is total outrage.\u00a0 Country of Origin Labeling (COOL Act) was a hard fought law that was only instituted in 2009.<\/p>\n

    Our strong belief is that consumers have the right to know where their products are made and the components that go into those products.\u00a0 We want to empower consumers to make informed, educated choices.\u00a0 But, we believe this is even more important when it comes to the food that we eat and provide to our families.\u00a0 This is a safety issue that has huge implications across the board.<\/p>\n

    That said, we see this also as a huge opportunity to become the solution provider for many companies, farmers and producers.\u00a0 Our Product of USA Certified seal is a non-mandatory, voluntary marketing label that can still communicate the Country of Origin to consumers.<\/p>\n

    So, while this is a deeply disturbing move by the WTO, we see this as an opportunity for Made in USA Certified to provide a solution.<\/p>\n

    Q: It is notable that the Made in USA certification would allow\u00a0valuable branding and marketing for a\u00a0consumer direct product.\u00a0Do you work with companies that produce more industrial or non-consumer products also?
    \n<\/strong>A: Our certification clearly has a valuable effect at the point of purchase with consumers, it really is a powerful marketing tool for products and companies. \u00a0We do work with many industrial, non-consumer\u00a0based manufacturers, and what we have seen across the board is just receiving the \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d seal is not enough.<\/p>\n

    There has to be an active commitment on the part of the company to use the seals, logos and messaging as a part of their overall brand strategy. \u00a0That is where we see the most benefit with all our clients. \u00a0A good example of this is with our client, Aeronautica Windpower.<\/p>\n

    Aeronautica makes wind turbines domestically in the U.S. which is not a consumer product, but they will be the first to tell you our \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d seal was the deciding factor on an export contract they won with the Cape Verde Islands for a $22 Million project. \u00a0They are an example of a company that did not see the value at first of a \u201cMade in USA Certification\u201d or the seal, yet after less than six months of being certified, they were granted this huge export contract.<\/p>\n

    It should be noted Aeronautica had the seal engraved on the actual blades of their turbines. So, the moral of this story is just getting certified is not enough for anyone.\u00a0 Certification, marketing, and branding are not passive exercises. \u00a0The certified company needs to fully embrace the marketing and branding aspect of what we do and be actively engaged in promoting it. \u00a0Time and time again, we see that it pays off and pays off big time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    FAQ\u2019s Q: What\u2019s the background to Made in USA Certified? A:\u00a0Many U.S. manufacturers were upset there was limited oversight and enforcement when it came to claiming a product was made in the USA.\u00a0 They complained many of their competitors were actually importing products and a large percentage of their components and then \u201cclaiming\u201d they were […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2656,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3838","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3838"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3838\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}