The Cost of Quality.
At $35, some may consider our belts to be expensive. Rather than expecting our customers to accept that, we are going to get into the nitty-gritty and explain what goes into our belt pricing.
Before we jump into this head first, we want to share some interesting statistics.
- 70% of the clothing Americans bought in 1980 was made in the United States, whereas now it's about 2 percent. (In 1960 98% of our clothing was made in the U.S.)
- In 1960 10% of an average American's gross income went towards clothes, in 2017 that number was down to 3%.
- In 2016 the labor cost to manufacture a pair of jeans in Bangladesh was $1.80/hr. In America, it was $25.00/hr.
First things first, our goal is to make quality products that will last a lifetime. We get tired of hearing the phrase "they don't make things like they used to!" Our belt is designed to withstand everyday rigors for up to 30 years. We accomplish this by using the highest quality materials, entirely sourced from the USA.
At GRIP6 we have an amazing team of engineers that design and build a lot of the machines that make our belts. A key component of making a product that is designed to last 30 years is running exhaustive quality control checks on all of our products. Nothing leaves our shop without being individually checked for any faults, or defects.
It's challenging to make a product that will last a lifetime without being able to oversee its production. That's why we decided to make our belts in the USA. Not only are we able to maintain high production standards, but we are able to give back to the employees that make our products. We're a small business, but that doesn't mean we don't take care of our own. We pay competitive wages, offer health and dental insurance, and we are constantly ensuring that they have a safe work environment.
Speaking of the environment, we do all we can to utilize as much post-consumer product as possible. That includes everything from recycled paper packaging to soy-based inks for our dealer catalogs. There isn't a governing body that requires us to meet these standards. We set them ourselves and we do them because it's the right thing to do. They cost a little more money than using virgin materials but the long-term costs are too significant to ignore.
Every product at GRIP6 is backed by an unlimited lifetime guarantee. We refer to this is our A3 Guarandamntee. The A3 stands for Any Time, Any Reason, Any Condition. Whether you just don't like it or it was shredded while you were fighting off a bear (looking at you Leonardo DiCaprio) we'll take it back like a prodigal son.
Moral of the story?
Our craftsmanship is on trial with every belt we produce. We are responsible for making sure your belt works better and lasts longer than any other belt you've worn, and we do everything we can to ensure it will.
When you buy one of our belts you're not getting just a belt. You are getting our word that we have done everything we can to make this the finest, most functional belt you have ever owned. You are getting a promise from us that if your belt ever does fail, we will replace it, no questions asked. You are getting hours of research, design, and testing, along with our commitment that we will continue to responsibly produce quality products, right here in our own backyard.
96 comments
Melinda
I have 3- belt straps, 5-buckles (female, plaid, chess and 2 solid). I recently also added the hanger and might need another one. I purchase this because not only do they hold up my pants, but they don’t stretch, causing me having to adjust my belt like I use to with my old ones. The fact that they are Made In America and sourced it means that I’m taking care of my fellow Americans or anyone wanting to live the American Dream. I purchased these for my nieces and nephews and now convincing my siblings to do the same. These are amazing and I can’t wait to order more to add to my collection. Keep up your work, promise and motto. love these, next on my list is a customized one.
Jobathan
I’ve had one buckle and two belt straps for a few years now. I just ordered a new buckle and strap to add some more variety. Take my money. You give me reliability, quality and happiness.
Jason B
I’m a large man. Finding belts that not only fit me but hold up for any length of time is difficult. I wouldn’t trade for my Grip 6 belts. Not only are the comfortable but they look great on. They also do what they are designed to do and that is hold up my pants. I love that they are made in America with American sourced materials. That means a lot to me and is worth a few extra dollars. The lifetime guarantee says it all though. A company that is willing to guarantee their product for life, no questions asked is doing business right. You know for sure they are putting out quality products and are willing to stand behind their products.
Numa Newbern
After working over 40+ years in a Quality Control position in a major U.S. manufacturer I KNOW quality when I see it and feel it, the ONLY “problem” I personally had was the new concept, and being over 65 it did take me a few days to get used to the “NEW NORMAL” but I will NEVER go back, the price for the 2 pack I received is insignificant when you look at the overall picture, a LIFETIME guarantee etc. LOVE the belts!
Chad Hart
Before Grip6, I’d buy a new belt at least once a year because they would wear out or get scratched up and look bad. Since getting a couple from you guys, I’ve thrown away all my old belts because NOTHING beats Grip6 comfort and quality.
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