Belts for belts

So often it's hard to compare apples and apples especially over time. I happened to have the opportunity today.

So my belt broke. I don't know how long I've had it but it's probably 3-4 years. Maybe more. I'm not quite sure why I remember, but I went back to the same exact Sears store that I bought the last one. When I got there, I found the exact same belt as the one that broke. Like what were the odds on that? Stuff usually changes from season to season, much less year to year. But 3-4 years later? the same belt? I looked at all of the belts looking for where they were made and they were all made in China. Surprise, surprise. I decided to just get it anyway because I needed a belt.

So I get home and compare it to the old one and it's exactly the same design. It's not quite the same though, cause the new one is really stiff and the old one is nice and flexible. I remember the old one always being quite flexible though. So the new one is not quite as good as the old one.

But here is the spin, they both cost $20. If the new one is made in China, I know damn well that they made it for AT LEAST half the cost of the old one that was made in USA. Probably way less than half. So why the hell did I pay $20 for the cheap china brand garbage when I paid $20 for the one made in USA with italian leather? I understand why people go to the dollar stores trying to save money and buy the cheap china brand stuff so they can save a buck. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. The thing that really pisses me off is when the companies outsource things to china and then STILL CHARGE the same amount as if it was made here in USA. The peeps of America and elsewhere are getting hosed and it is BS. That's deceit and fraud and any company that tries to pull a fast one on the consumer should be punished by the market. Please vote with your dollars and not buy china brand garbage. I think I'm going to hunt down a made in USA black belt just for spite now.