If one is old enough to remember the product quality of the past, one will most likely lament about the lack of quality of most products now offered in the market place. One may wonder why with all the propaganda ads flashed everywhere, shouting how great their products are, one can't find very little that compares with the good quality of days gone bye?
The Buzz phrase 'Continuous Improvement' does not mean the same to everybody. Are we talking
about continuous quality improvement or continuous profit improvement? These two ideas are in
constant conflict; profit improvement, most of the time, spells less
product quality. Experience tells us that quality
lost against profit, and we the consumers go along with this twisted
situation, instead of insisting on quality products, the result of continuous quality improvement.
Naturally, the younger generation is at a disadvantage because they have no idea what good quality used to be, i.e. really is. For example, major department stores used to carry pretty descent leather shoes, at fair prices, now these stores, in the main, carry shoes with all man-made materials, which most likely make your feet sweat and smell.
If these inferior products, made with inferior materials, would be significantly cheaper, then one could say the buyer has a choice, buy good quality for more or inferior quality for less, however, these inferior products demand about the same price, or more, as good products used to cost. This in part explains why so many new Billionaires are made every year; their substandard products (or services) are way over-priced and thus generate enormous profits. To add insult to injury, since these inferior products don't last as long as good quality products, their short-term repeat business is assured, enhancing their profit picture even more.
By dealing with a new inexperienced consumer generation, every 20 years, these merchants (manufacturers and sellers) of substandard products succeeded with their 'Continuous Profit Improvement' scheme, by trashing the quality of their products. These disingenuous merchants now prey on an unsuspecting new consumer, who has been convinced, through clever marketing, of the new normal. Let us just look at their product warranties, If one gets a one (1) year written Warranty, one can thank our maker; the manufacturers fully know that is about the time their product, generally, will last.
How can we get back to good quality products? First, we must ignore all the hype about a product. Second, we must use common sense to judge whether it is worth the money. Third, we must evaluate if we truly need the product. Whenever, some new product makes people stand for hours inline for it, you can be sure the item is way overpriced, there usually is a less expensive alternate product in the marketplace. For example, Amazon has some Tablets at much lower prices that may work for you; I know I have two in my home.
When consumers shop with more discrimination, and reject inferior products, the merchants with poor quality products will have less business volume, which will force them to examine the causes for it. They then have to make a choice, lower their price, or improve the product quality, while maintaining the current price level. Either way, the consumer stands to win; we have the power, we truly could be the King, and add truth to the slogan, "The customer Is King".
