This is a hot topic in our industry. There are many that are 100% anti-import glass, some 50/50 and then some that only see dollar signs with the margins of import glass.
For a long time import glass concerned me. It was during a conversation I was having about target markets when it comes to customers. The topic of imports lead to a bit of epiphany that imports are not actually in competition with American glass. Customers that are interested in imports are looking for a very inexpensive option, they never were a potential American glass customer. This lead me to understand there isn’t actually a head to head situation.
That being said, many of our customers do not understand the value in American made. Even that phrase “American Made” doesn’t mean as much as it used to. In many circumstances these days, it’s not quite as important to consider the draw backs of imported products as it is with glass. This is where educating the consumer is so important.
These pipes are being smoked out of after being heated in some way. This smoke or vapor then travels directly into the consumer’s lungs. Not with all, but with many import pipes there are collarants used that can not handle the heat and actually put out gasses that your customer will then inhale. Importers have been known to use paint to create affects. Paint can not withstand the open flame or torches used without creating toxic fumes. This is the scariest part of imports. There is of course the thinner glass and the lack of annealing making the imports less durable, even if they are cheaper, it is more likely to need to replace it after being broken.
It is our responsibility to educate those we work with and provide services for. Business is of course about creating a profit, that can be done by having extra high margins, but customer loyalty is our preferred business strategy and the longest standing head shops that I have had the pleasure to work with.
