About Squeaky Wheel Activism

Why do products have so much unnecessary packaging? Why aren't more products packed in recyclable materials? Why do we need to replace an entire product when all we need is a power cord? There is so much that could be done to reduce, reuse and recycle the stream of waste products, and yet the bad habits persist.



And then there's the "so-called" customer service. Any one who has battled their way through auto-attendant Hades only to speak to someone whose accent is unintelligible knows what I'm talking about.



I often hear that manufacturers and retailers are only giving us what we want.



But what if we want something different?



My premise... we have to tell them. Each and every time.

When we're unhappy... AND when we're like something they're doing right.



I've decided to make it my personal mission to let companies know about things I'd like them to change, as well as things I think they're doing right. I hope you'll find inspiration from my efforts and join me in this endeavor. If you do, let me know... I'll be happy to post your letter.



Thursday, June 9, 2011

Target Corporation, I Found a Product Made in the USA!


Since I couldn't find his e-mail address, I sent the following letter via US Postal Service to the Chairman/President/CEO of Target Corporation:

Mr. Gregg W. Steinhafel
Chairman, President & CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN  55403

Dear Mr. Steinhafel,

I just wanted to express how happy I was to actually find a product Made in the USA during my recent shopping experience at Target in Penfield, New York. I found a cute purple watering pot to replace my aged one that fell apart. Best of all, I don’t feel that it cost me any extra to purchase a domestic product rather than an imported one.

Sadly, it is increasingly difficult to find products made in our country these days amidst the goods from overseas, especially China. Given the state of our economy, every dollar that we can keep at home to support American jobs is an investment in our future.

You should know that I deliberately avoid purchasing products made in China. I have no trust for anything made there, as there have been too many scandals involving unsafe products. Furthermore, the pervasiveness of Chinese products in the marketplace causes me to be concerned about our balance of trade and increasing indebtedness to China. I know that I am not alone in feeling this way. If at all possible, I will do without or keep looking for an alternative rather than send my dollars to China.

Again, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to purchase an American-made product. I ask that you reconsider the sourcing decisions made by Target Corporation and provide more such opportunities.

                                                                        Cordially yours,
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