Domestic vs. Imported Cables: The Key Benefits of Choosing NetSource
When a business needs cable products in industries like broadband, telecommunications, and wireless infrastructure, they have a decision to make. Should they buy from American cable manufacturers or go with less-expensive imports? Initially, imports may appear to be the better option due to lower prices. However, Netsource has the experience to tell you that ordering domestically is almost always the superior option.
This article explains why American cable assembly manufacturers like NetSource are better positioned to help your company make those important purchasing decisions, especially for companies that need custom cable assemblies or connectivity solutions quickly.
The Hidden Costs of Imported Cables
It’s easy to see why some companies opt to import cables. The price is lower, and that can be tempting when a company wants to save money. However, imported cables often come with hidden costs that are not immediately apparent and can end up being more expensive in the long run.
Quality Control Issues
One of the main issues with imported cables is the lack of consistent quality control. Not all manufacturers overseas follow the same strict standards as American cable assembly manufacturers. This means that cables might not last as long or could fail more often. If you are working in telecommunications, for example, a failed-cable incident could cost more than what you saved by buying the cheaper cable.
Delays in Shipping
Another problem is shipping and delivery delays. Supply chain problems, like shipping container shortages or bad weather, often cause delays. These delays impact companies working on tight schedules. If you are waiting weeks or months for a critical cable assembly, it could derail an entire project. This frustrates teams and can also lead to extra costs for the business.
There are also extra costs, such as import duties or changing exchange rates. These things can add up, making imported cables more expensive in the long run than they seem initially.
Why NetSource Offers Better Value | Cable Assembly Manufacturers
Netsource has 30 years of experience in this industry. We can guide you through the choice of producing your order domestically or relying on an import. You can utilize our expertise to guide your decision. In most cases we are encouraging customers to produce products with us domestically. Below we’ve outlined some of the major advantages in ordering domestically.
Communication
When you need a custom cable assembly that meets precise technical requirements, it is easier to convey your needs to a manufacturer who speaks the same language as you do. Communication breakdowns are common when dealing with an overseas manufacturer. The result could be costly mistakes.
Quality
One significant advantage is quality. Domestic manufacturers, like NetSource, follow strict regulations for quality control, ensuring their products are more reliable and longer-lasting. When you need cables and assemblies that won’t fail at a critical moment, NetSource can provide guidance on selecting the best products to meet your specific needs, ensuring you get the highest quality cable assemblies for your projects.
Flexibility
When you import cables you have less flexibility than if you were to produce those assemblies domestically. Example: you order 10,000 cables, all to a specification. They are put in a shipping container. Once those cables are in that container there is no changing the order. Compare that to placing your order domestically. At that point Netsource has the ability to be flexible and make changes to your order over time. It’s a collaboration. Change orders are common, and are perhaps one of the biggest advantages to ordering domestically.
Faster Delivery
Another advantage of choosing domestic manufacturers is faster turnaround and delivery times. Instead of waiting weeks—or even months—for an overseas order, American cable assembly manufacturers can deliver cable assemblies faster. NetSource is dedicated to customer satisfaction. We feature a quick turnaround time, usually ranging from 3 to 5 days. This can make a huge difference when working on a project with tight deadlines.
Availability of Customization
Customization is another area where American cable assembly manufacturers like NetSource excel. When your project requires custom cable assemblies, harsh environment cables, or military and aerospace cables with detailed specifications, purchasing from an overseas supplier will have limited oversight. When working with a domestic cable assembly manufacturer like NetSource, you can find assurance in the fact that you can see our modern, 85,000-square-foot facility and you will have the ability to see how your product is manufactured.
Supporting the U.S. Economy and the Environment
Netsource is proud to be an American company, and we know that many of our customers choose to produce domestically for that reason as well. We respect and appreciate you for that.
The reasons to choose American cable manufacturers go beyond the product itself. When companies purchase domestically, they are helping the U.S. economy by providing local manufacturing, engineering, and product-testing jobs. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, every dollar spent on U.S. manufacturing adds $2.69 to the economy. This means that choosing American-made products will boost the economic opportunities available in the U.S., and the “Made in America” stamp is always looked upon favorably here in America.
From an environmental standpoint, buying domestically helps reduce the carbon footprint. Overseas manufacturing facilities do not adhere to the same pollution-prevention standards as U.S. manufacturers. Additionally, shipping products over long distances can create a larger carbon footprint, so buying from local manufacturers minimizes this impact. For companies looking to become more environmentally friendly, choosing domestic manufacturing is one easy way to help keep our planet clean.
Long-Term Savings and Reliability
Although imported cables might seem cheaper upfront, the long-term savings of buying reliable cables is the smarter choice. At NetSource, we offer reliable, high-quality cable assemblies that do not break down or fail easily. Fewer failures mean fewer replacements and less downtime, saving money over time.
Additionally, domestic manufacturers generally offer better customer support. If something goes wrong with your cables or cable assembly, getting a quick replacement or help from an American company is much easier than from an overseas supplier. This can be a significant advantage when you are dealing with time-sensitive issues.
Domestic Manufacturing is the Superior Option
While imported cables might appear to be a cost-saving choice on the front end, they often come with unforeseen costs and delays on the back end. American cable assembly companies provide better value with fewer shipping delays, more oversight, more flexibility, faster delivery, and the ability to discuss your custom connectivity solutions with your cable manufacturing partner easily. Choosing American cable manufacturers can help companies avoid the problems that burden imports and ensure their projects run smoothly and efficiently.
In either case, if your company needs reliable, high-quality cables, NetSource can provide the custom solutions you need. Whether you are looking for mil-spec cables or harsh environment cables, NetSource has the expertise to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your cable needs.