People watching can be an interesting experience and is something that behavior experts often do. Recently, one expert and colleague, Terry Vaughn noticed while most travelers where clueless about their surroundings, one woman in particular stuck out. Why? What was it among all the people at the airport gate that caught Mr.Vaughn’s attention?
Here are three questions he often asks himself when in public or crowded areas:
1. What do I expect to see?
2. What do I not expect to see?
3. What’s missing?
“Body language nearly always reveals internal thoughts and emotions. The challenge is that most people aren’t paying attention until it becomes too obvious to ignore.
The world isn’t always out to get you, but it doesn’t hurt to notice the things that don’t belong. Whether you’re leading a company or navigating life, attention to detail is never wasted”.
I think these are great questions in develop a habit of asking when we go places. Will you remember to look around the next time you’re at a restaurant or shopping mall; gone to the movies or a sports game?
With a new administration taking office and many expected changes, particularly when it comes to foreign trade. President Trump is all about Making America Great Again and our domestic workforce, taking care of Americans and ability to provide for their families. One thing is for sure that will be in focus over the coming months or year is a return to American manufacturing, Why is this significant and why it should matter.
What you most people don’t consider when purchasing products and why being “Made in America” really does matter for our future and our economy! Most of us shop online, but not all eCommerce business are equal. There is licensing, trademarks, shipping, manufacturing, packaging and the list goes on.
Have you ever bought from a company and wondered WHEN IT was going to arrive? Have you purchased from Shein and Temu? If so, chances are you understand it ain’t no Amazon shipping!
These companies are considered “De minimis.
First of all, the meaning of de minimis. It simply means of little value or insignificant value. The threshold for insignificant value in the case of packages crossing the U.S. border is $800.00. So some 4,000,000 packages a day pay no tariff or taxes.
Shei and Temu are responsible for more than a million packages a day and those packages pay no tariff or taxes. There is no review or audit that is applicable to de minimis shipments. This makes de minimis an ideal vehicle for smugglers.
Do you want a Gibson Electric Guitar that is not really a Gibson? Just google Chinese Gibson guitar and you are in business. Of course, the guitar you will receive is likely to be barely playable. Trademark violation and consumers getting cheated all in one package.” says Jay Arbetman of the Sourcing District.
Let’s say you are sewing in Kentucky where the federal minimum wage ($7.25) is applicable. Approximately 20 states have no minimum state wage so the $7.25 federal minimum is applicable. That will compare to the less than $2.00 an hour that many factory workers are paid in China. Many, though not all states, have state minimum wages far more than the federal minimum. Some city minimum wages range up to and over $20.00 an hour. Frankly, it is a miracle that anything gets sewn here.
How is this affecting retail stores? Let’s say you buy a dress from Shein and it is $19.99. If say, J.C. Penney goes to that factory, they may get a bulk discount and they may be shipping more efficiently. They will however work under the burden of tariffs and taxes that same dress from Shein is not subject to. Let’s say for example J. C. Penney pays $9.75 for the $19.99 Shein dress. That is likely to land in their warehouse for about $17.00. Then, J.C. Penney, puts the dress into their retail stores for say $39.99. None of this is precise but you get the idea. This is a very generalized description. “The devil is in the details”. At the end of the day, de minimis shipments enter the United States with less information than other imports and are not subject to duties and taxes.
An even more bizarre twist is that the factory in Kentucky or a distributor will then send the dress to you, and you will pay $15.00 or more in UPS or FEDEX ground charges. An American consumer can buy a “12 pack” of shipping coupons from Shein for less than $48.00. Ship it a few hundred miles. $15.00+. Ship halfway around the world. $4.00. How much sense does this make?
The truth is “you get what you pay for”. Price is a direct relationship with quality; the lower the price – the lower the quality. These de minimis companies are able to ship any order(s) to one single address a day without paying tariffs as long as it’s under the $800 threshold! This is a much higher threshold than other countries. I imagine with the new administration, this threshold will come down. But in the meantime, this hurts our big box retailers (because their purchases are in bulk or wholesale (think of how much Macy’s or The Gap buys at one time for all of their retail stores) and are subject to the import tariffs.
While anyone can purchase through these online stores direct from Chinese merchants through Temu, Shein and other trading companies, at super low prices because of poor working environments, cheap labor (or child labor). In these foreign countries, they don’t honor or regard one’s Intellectual Property such as their design or trademarks and there’s little to no enforcement. So, they steal your creation and under cut you as a business and sell a poor quality knock off – with your brand identity attached to it!
On the surface, import taxes might look harsh but reality is actually setting up American business, American manufacturers, American farmers and producers to be successful, profitable and to thrive and grow. This stimulates our economy and The U.S. in becoming more self substantiating, independent and a free country.
If you value ethical and humane treatment of workers and their environment, quality craftsmanship, you might want to take another look at your buying habits, and Buy Made in America! Put America first and the American people. The next time you see fabric or apparel made in the USA, stand up and applaud the makers who manage to succeed with an environment that is opposed to their success.
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Whew! You’ve made it through most of the year end feasts and so we turn our focus on New Years (2025).
This is a sad time for me as Christmas is over. I enjoy the upbeat atmosphere and beautiful lights. While Christmas Holidays may not be the best for all, it is the season of Hope and love. It’s my desire that you received that gift this Christmas.
As we move toward New Year’s many are planning their New Year’s Resolutions and goals. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
Do you like the feeling of stating anew? For me, New Years seems to be a time of re-focusing, getting back to what matters most… perhaps lost connections or relationships, self-improvement, or planning for the year.
Whatever your traditions are for the New Year, how can we stay focused on such desires? Can I (and perhaps you) stick to our new goals and resolutions?
You’ve likely been taught about making your goals S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound).
Which is great, right? But, how ‘bout actually creating a plan? You know, an outline?
Peter Drucker said, “What gets measured, gets managed”. Tracking your progress let’s you see how you’re doing and I believe this will help to keep (or make) new habits stick. Yeah!
Two additional points to keep your successful goals through out the year, are remaining flexible and having support. Yes, crap happens and there are set backs but don’t let that completely derail you (i.e. speaking to self). Gods got this, so an attitude of “it’ll all work out for my best” is an excellent attitude!
That leads to my last encouraging word and tip for successful New Year improvements and or changes; connect with a support network. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or coach having someone to keep you encouraged and hold you accountable will increase your chances for lasting improvements.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King day, It’s a good time to reflect on avoiding violence and taking a page out of his life. Taking a page out of Martin Luther Kings’ life. In tough times it takes strong men to discuss matters rather than resulting to violence.
One way, of course, is to avoid it all together. However, if “trouble” finds you, are you prepared and layered up in devices?
Martin Luther King believed we could settle differences rationally. I still believe that today – al beit, it seems tougher these days than those days of old.
That’s why having non lethal tools such as P.O.M pepper spray is a good and useful device for self defense.
Tempers are running extremely high (for some unknown reasons). I’ve noticed that the more stressed someone is, the more likely they are to be short on patience. And, therefore, more likely to potentially have some type of an irrational outbursts.
Take a deep breath, layer self defense tools and be observant to stay safe.
Join our Parliament community today. We want to stay connect. Social Media isn’t a friend to conservative voices or alternative thought. Subscribing to news letter is the best way to stay connected. Don’t let them separate us, or break us.
P.S.You’ll want to Stay in touch for some upcoming big news.
There’s sooo many reasons to love this time of the year!
For starters, lets say the Clothing While I’m not a fan of cold weather, I do like to see all the new sweaters and winter items. From great boots and legging, corduroy and let’s not forgot about the holiday festive dresses.
If you’re a new gun owner and considering about learning, or rather getting used to the idea of carrying, you’re going to love this time of the year!
Winter and cold weather clothing make it very easy to begin this new journey. The style, the thickness of fabrics naturally hide the firearm from others being able to notice it.
Another reason to love this time of the year, is BLACK FRIDAY SALES!
I’d like to take this time to encourage you to buy from small business, yes, even Incognito Wear IX. This year our Black Friday is a throw back to tradition. ONE DAY DEALS- FRIDAY! …UNLESS, you get on our the Early Access list.
As we look to support others at this giving season, let’s remember to support those who give back, to your community and buy from small businesses.
Personally, I love helping you feel confident about protecting your life. I love that my clothing helps you do it, without looking like you are carrying. Clothing that’s practical; not Tactical. I love making Clothing and holsters that are Made in America. I love supporting American workers.
I love this season! I love the food. I love Hallmark Christmas movies. I love celebrating the Birth of Jesus, my Savior. I love spending time with friends and family.
Enjoy the season. Stay focused. As wonderful as this time of year is, there are others out there looking for an easy victim. Make sure you aren’t one but staying alert, aware and don’t leave valuables visible in you car.
Keep your doors (car, home) locked.
Be stylish, armed and incognito. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Visit IncognitoWearix.com and add your name to our early access list to shop on Thanksgiving Day!
