I was looking for a set of telescoping (snap) guages and of course looked at Starrett for quality and made in the USA. They are expensive. I found a new set on Ebay where the seller had included a picture of the box and at the very bottom of the label it said Made in China. I called Starrett and was assured by Emily (sp?) That all their tools are made here in America except for electronic boards. I nicely notified the seller they were selling fake/knockoffs per Starrett and informed Ebay, filed a report, and had spent about an hour on the phone. A short time later the seller contacted me and referred me to MSC direct who is a large company. The item was clearly marked made in China. I called Starrett back and spoke to the same woman who this time reached out to her manager (claimed she spoke to tech support this morning). He stated that this was the ONLY item outsourced to China! I informed her that based upon what she told me earlier I filed a report, etc with Ebay and that she should contact Ebay and explain. She said she would NOT call as Ebay was not an authorized reseller. I said you basically lied to me and I acted on what you told me and got a seller in trouble. She said sorry I feel that way. I informed her I will never buy a Starrett product and I will let others know and hung up. I then contacted the seller and Ebay to fix everything.
I can't stand being lied to. She made the mistake and should have at least owned up to it. Out of principle I informed the seller that I cannot buy the Starrett product from him. I just couldn't believe what I was told. I probably do not need that degree of accuracy for what little I hope to do but it really bugs me people do not take personal responsibility.
Ron