Whenever I mention the fact about importing from China and other countries I tend to get some mixed responses. There are still the die hard “only buy when made in America” fans. Certainly it is very patriotic to think this way, however it is a concept from classic industrial age thinking. Today we are firmly entrenched in a world economy, and in that economy businesses have to compete harder than ever before. When importing was once termed a radical move, it is now almost an essential way to control costs. But still when you mention the fact that something was made in China, eyebrows still raise, why?
The Good and The Bad
I think there is a lot of speculation since there have been some products that come out of China that have been questionable in quality. Part of this problem is ourselves, we demand more and more things and want to pay less and less for them. Businesses are attacked from all angles and the quest for a decent profit margin seems all that matters. If demand is high for cheaper goods than production will respond to meet it. In short, if someone wants cheaply built products, chances you can find someone to make them for you. Geography does not really apply. In almost any field this seems to be relevant. China helps us cut costs and its up to us as designers and manufacturers to help them give us qualitiy products. A lot of people point their fingers soley at the Chinese, whereas a good look in the mirror might solve most issues.
Labor:
Part of a global economy is knowing where you can cut costs, in some countries certain natural resources are more plentiful. Labor also seems to vary wildly as you travel the globe. Currently as of this article, Chinese factory workers earn roughly .65 cents an hour. That is 1/40th of a typical American worker. Inexpensive labor does not mean that the product has to suffer, again if you guide the exporters in your designs you will have a better control on quality.
Ethical
The Chinese are as ethical as anyone I have ever met in the USA. They are a joy to work with and very respectful people. You can always find a bad element in any area of the world. Take the fact for a thousand years China was the source of nearly all the worlds finest goods. High standards were common. Consumers demand high quality but there always will be the business that wants to shortcut costs. Have pride in what your building and it will serve you well.
Summary
So how does this serve you? Like I said before, if you design well, and find a company that will make your parts or complete items to your specifications, you will have no problems. I generally do not give the full project to one company. There are companies that like to copy entire designs and then sell them cheaper than you can buy them for. China recognizes good design too, so I reduce my chances by giving them parts to create and then do the final packaging here in the states.
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