Stuff is made through a manufacturing process, right?

[JacquelineDeane]

I think a lot about where stuff comes from and how it is made. I don't really know how a lot of stuff is made, only that it comes to me through retail.

Since I shop a lot as a hobby I see a lot of items. Hundreds, maybe thousands of different things each day. It's fun to think about the mastermind behind, say, a glittering purse or a sparkling ring and what the artist was trying to convey when they made that item.

I was told that mostly everything I see that is man-made comes from a manufacturing or production process, is that true? But then some people tell me they make stuff by hand...gee, I'm so confused!

 

[Sophrosyne]

I think you have to realize that manufacturing processes can dwarf the production of individuals such that hand made items cannot compete in price if such an item can be manufactured in a plant. Things can still be made by hand but after you factor in labor costs either the person making things by hand is selling them at a price that is "fair" to their expertise and the cost is pretty stiff or they are almost giving away their labor. My mom was in the craft business for decades making and selling stuff and did well until the items she was selling got very popular and they started manufacturing similar lower quality items in Asia for a fraction of her selling price but even prior to this others who saw her products started copying her designs and making similar items often they unwisely didn't factor in their labor costs and undersold her to the point finally she figured out she could make more money working a job instead of hand making things.

 

[JacquelineDeane]

I think you have to realize that manufacturing processes can dwarf the production of individuals such that hand made items cannot compete in price if such an item can be manufactured in a plant. Things can still be made by hand but after you factor in labor costs either the person making things by hand is selling them at a price that is "fair" to their expertise and the cost is pretty stiff or they are almost giving away their labor. My mom was in the craft business for decades making and selling stuff and did well until the items she was selling got very popular and they started manufacturing similar lower quality items in Asia for a fraction of her selling price but even prior to this others who saw her products started copying her designs and making similar items often they unwisely didn't factor in their labor costs and undersold her to the point finally she figured out she could make more money working a job instead of hand making things.

I know you meant well (although some could have interpreted your post as being rude -- my first impression elicited that response because you are coming across as a know-it-all), but none of your answers has actually addressed my question: Where does stuff come from? Tell me that, if you know.

From my point of view you have an inflated ego, and I would like nothing more than to deflate it. I hate people who are too big for their britches. Arrogance is disgusting.

If I am wrong about you, feel free to correct me.

 

[brinny]

I'm confused too..but good question...

 

[Sophrosyne]

I know you meant well (although some could have interpreted your post as being rude -- my first impression elicited that response because you are coming across as a know-it-all), but none of your answers has actually addressed my question: Where does stuff come from? Tell me that, if you know.

From my point of view you have an inflated ego, and I would like nothing more than to deflate it. I hate people who are too big for their britches. Arrogance is disgusting.

If I am wrong about you, feel free to correct me.

No thanks.... I'll pass.