…”Made in China” = “Buyer Beware”
1. Poor production management. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and cheap goods often mean poor production quality. Cheap price = short life!
2. Poor quality management. A recent report from General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, China’s standards watchdog, notes that 20% of tested domestic products failed to meet safety standards. More so, a report issued in July by Senator Charles Schumer indicated that 60% of goods recalled by the U.S.’s main safety regulator came from China.
3. Poor labour management. While the cost of living in China is lower than in North America and Europe, the wages earned by Chinese labour wage are significantly lower in relative comparison. The China Labour Watch’s report on toy manufacturers showed the continued existence of poor working conditions and below-mandated wages. More shocking that this is in light of minimum wage being a paltry US$91.68 per month in Shenzhen, an area significant toy manufacturing.
4. Poor environmental management. With a “growth first” strategy in place, China has inflicted a lot of damage on the environment, from smoggy cities to water shortages. We should all feel sorry for the upcoming Olympians who will have to suffer through some pretty crappy conditions.
While “Made in Japan” and “Made in Korea” used to hold equal suspicion with consumers, it is obvious that China needs to pick up its game. For more, click here, here and here.
