Debunking Misconceptions: Are China-made Products Bad?

Debunking Misconceptions: Are China-made Products Bad?

DEBUNKING MISCONCEPTIONS: ARE CHINA-MADE PRODUCTS BAD?


When it comes to buying products, most consumers tend to look at
where a product is made since it can add credibility and authenticity to a product. For example, when you buy Parmesan cheese in the supermarket and see that it’s made from Italy, you can be certain that you are getting authentic and quality cheese. 

However, when it comes to China-made products, consumers tend to think twice before buying. After all, many believe that products made from the country are poor in quality. However, this “made in China” stereotype is simply a misconception. In fact, according to data by the United Nations Statistics Division, China contributed to 28.7 per cent of global manufacturing output in 2019. Moreover, the country has been the world’s largest manufacturing country since it overtook the United States in 2010.

From clothes to gadgets and even electric scooters, many industries across the globe are manufacturing their products in China for their low-cost labour, abundant and skilled workforce, and good technology and infrastructure. In fact, INOKIM recently announced that they will be merging with a Chinese manufacturer to produce their electric scooters. 

Given that many companies flock to Chinese factories to manufacture their products, this only means that China-made products are not that bad. To further debunk this stereotype, here are three of the most common misconceptions on China-made products.

“China-made products are low-quality.”

Not all China-made products are poorly built and dangerous. This is a notion that most consumers should shake off. In fact, many of the world’s quality brands are manufactured in China. 

The best example would be the Apple iPhone. Among the smartphone brands in the market, the iPhone stands on top due to its luxurious feel and build quality. The majority of Apple’s smartphones are manufactured and assembled in China, which shows the level of high-quality products made in China.

Moreover, consumers should keep in mind that manufacturers only follow the specifications set by companies. So, a poorly-designed product should not be the manufacturer’s fault. In addition, some companies choose cheaper materials to lower the cost of production. As a result, consumers get low-quality and over-priced products. Most of the blame should be on the company or developer that gave the design and specifications to the manufacturers.

“It won’t last long.”

Since people think that China-made products are low-quality, they also won’t last long. This is another misconception about China-made products. However, Chinese goods are proving to be as durable as Japanese-made products and are slowly closing the quality gap. After all, Chinese firms have learned and improved their expertise and technology through joint ventures with foreign companies.

For example, Xiaomi, a Chinese multinational electronics company, produces one of the most popular e-scooter models in the market worldwide. Xiaomi electric scooters are not only known for their minimalist designs but also their quality and durability. In fact, it’s no longer surprising to see Chinese-made products leading markets in various industries.

Some Chinese goods may be poorly built and don’t last long, but many manufacturers and brands can actually compete with major global brands. Companies will not go to Chinese manufacturers if they are not capable of producing durable products. So, to generalise these manufacturers as inferior would be prejudice.

“The products are made in unethical factories.”

In the past, there have been reports of unethical factories running in the country. While the reports may be true, not all Chinese factories run like a sweatshop. Moreover, stories of mistreatment of factory workers or improper working conditions are not only a reality in Chinese factories but also in the rest of the world.

However, as working conditions and infrastructures develop in the country, more factories are improving the way they operate. According to Keegan Elmer, a labour researcher at the Hong Kong-based China Labor Bulletin, working conditions in Chinese factories are improving. He says, “China has some of the biggest high-tech factories in the world that are the opposite of a sweatshop, but might be right next to factories that pay very low wages and give workers very poor food in the canteen.”

Moreover, many Western fashion startups are also informing consumers about the new generation of Chinese factories that offer good working conditions, pay workers fairly, work reasonable hours, and produce quality clothes, accessories, and shoes. Overall, most Chinese factories have ethical work practices and a few are still challenged, as with the rest of the factories worldwide.

Is it bad to buy things made in China?

Definitely not. As long as you choose a brand or manufacturer that always delivers quality products, then you can’t go wrong with China-made goods. In fact, some Chinese manufacturers produce better goods than their Western counterparts. Despite the misconceptions mentioned above, more people are starting to see the truth in Chinese manufacturing.

Here at Mearth, we ensure that our manufacturing partner offers the best materials and processes to create polished and long-lasting electric scooters. With our failproof designs and our manufacturer’s expertise, Mearth brings well-built, high-end, and reliable electric scooters to Australia and New Zealand.

If you want to be part of bringing groundbreaking and quality electric scooters in Australia and New Zealand, then why not partner with Mearth? Our partners receive support from the team as well as exclusive perks. So, sign up today and join our growing list of retail partners!

Meanwhile, e-scooter enthusiasts and Mearth fans can also help promote e-scooters and Mearth by joining our affiliate program. Affiliate partners get a 5 per cent commission on the total referral sales from your unique affiliate link. This is open for everyone, so register as an affiliate partner and enjoy Mearth’s exclusive commission rates.

For any questions and concerns, feel free to contact us at support@mearth.com.au.