“Made in USA” vs Reality: What Buyers Deserve to Know Before Purchasing Hardware
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In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of discussion in online communities about where hardware is made and whether customers should “cut out the middleman” and order directly from overseas.
We welcome that conversation because buyers deserve clarity, not marketing slogans.
This post isn’t about attacking competitors.
It’s about explaining how this industry actually works.
The Reality of Modern Hardware Manufacturing
In today’s electronics world, nearly all hardware is globally sourced.
That includes:
Semiconductors
ASIC chips
PCBs
Power components
Memory
Controllers
Even products advertised as “Made in USA” typically rely on:
Foreign-fabricated chips
Overseas PCB manufacturing
Internationally sourced components
This isn’t a secret it’s how the global electronics supply chain functions.
That’s why the FTC itself defines strict rules around “Made in USA” claims, because assembly, components, and manufacturing are not the same thing.
Why “Made in USA” Is Often Misunderstood
A product may be:
Assembled in the U.S.
Tested in the U.S.
Packaged in the U.S.
…and still rely on globally manufactured components.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
What is problematic is using manufacturing language as a weapon instead of being transparent.
Smart buyers ask better questions:
Where are the chips fabricated?
Where are the boards produced?
What happens if the unit arrives dead?
Who handles warranty claims?
Who is accountable after the sale?
Those answers matter far more than a label.
“Just Order Directly From Overseas” — The Tradeoffs
For some buyers, ordering directly from overseas manufacturers makes sense.
But it also comes with real considerations:
Shipping delays that can stretch weeks or months
Customs holds or seizures
Limited or unenforceable warranties
High return shipping costs
Language and time-zone barriers
No accountability if something goes wrong
Some customers are comfortable with that risk.
Others prefer a different experience.
The Role of a U.S.-Based Seller (And Why We Exist)
Our role isn’t to hide where products come from.
Our role is to:
Test and verify units
Configure them correctly
Ship quickly
Provide real support
Stand behind what we sell
That’s the value we provide.
You’re not just buying hardware; you’re buying:
Peace of mind
Accountability
Support when something goes wrong
For many customers, that matters.
Hardware quality is not determined by slogans. It’s determined by:
Reliability
Support
Accountability
Trust
Some sellers use phrases like “assembled in the U.S.”
Assembly can mean many things from final casing, to flashing firmware, to packaging.
That’s not inherently bad. But clarity matters.
Buyers should feel comfortable asking:
Where are the chips fabricated?
Where are PCBs produced?
What portion of the process happens domestically?
Clear businesses answer these questions openly.
We’re transparent about how we operate. We’re happy to answer questions and we’re focused on serving customers.
That approach has worked well for us, and we believe it’s the right way to do business.
> If you have questions about sourcing, setup, or support, reach out directly. We’re always happy to explain how things work honestly and without pressure