The misconception regarding the quality of “Made in China” products led China to rebrand and introduce their products as “Made in PRC”. Undoubtedly, it has been quite a while since this is effective but still, the confusion between Made in PRC and Made in China products is a long-standing one. Today, we are going to clear it once and for also.
For many years, Made in China products were associated with being low quality and below average. Therefore, China took action and changed from Made in China to Made in PRC.
So, in this blog, we are going to talk about the origins and meaning of Made in PRC products. Moreover, we are also going to see what the confusion is all about.
Chapter 1: What Made in PRC means?
PRC – the People’s Republic of China is the official name of China. So, whenever you hear the abbreviation PRC, it means that China is being talked about.
To understand the quality of the products it is important to understand what Made in PRC means. In this blog, we are going to cover this and much more.
To clear these questions and views about Made in PRC products, we will break them down in easy words.
1. What Does Made in PRC Mean?
Have you come across products with the label “PRC”? This is a recent development and you must not have seen this sign a decade or two ago.
Some people already know what that means; others have already figured it out themselves. Most people are yet unaware of what it means.
PRC simply means the People’s Republic of China. So, products with the label “PRC” mean that they are made in China.
This might seem like a simple move to include the country of origins name on the products. However, this is not as simple as it seems. Initially, due to many reasons, Chinese manufacturers were producing goods that were not of very high quality. These manufacturers claim that was because there was a market for these goods and the buyers asked them to make it.
Once it became common globally that China was manufacturing low-quality products, the international market started believing that all products being made were sub-standards. This tarnished China’s reputation globally. People used to look at the tag, see Made in China, and leave it there and then.
To overcome this problem, China replaced Made in China with Made in PRC.
2. Made In China VS Made In PRC
Chinese producers have a great deal of difficulty as a result of the long-standing belief that their products are of poor quality.
The reputation of Chinese exports abroad is still impacted by the stigma attached to the “Made in China” label, even in the face of changing standards and higher-quality products.
Some Chinese producers have used the alternative label “Made in PRC” as a calculated marketing tactic to offset this unfavorable perception.
The “Made in PRC” label is used to set products apart from the alleged lower quality associated with the “Made in China” label.
Even though there have been indications that this rebranding initiative is altering opinions, deeply rooted misconceptions still need to be dispelled.5
China is an important supplier to the world market, but its reputation is damaged by misconceptions about the quality of its products.
Furthermore, the choice to utilize “Made in PRC” takes into account the preferences of international customers in addition to the intention to change attitudes.
When compared to the traditional “Made in China” label, some foreign consumers actively ask for products to be labeled as “Made in PRC” because they feel it conveys a sense of superior quality. It’s imperative to dispel this myth, though.
We’ll examine and debunk a few popular myths and misconceptions about Chinese and “Made in PRC” products in the conversation that follows.
We hope to contribute to a more realistic and nuanced knowledge of the quality and craftsmanship associated with products coming from China by clearing up these misconceptions.
3. Do People Have Misconceptions About Made in PRC Products?
Yes. People have a lot of misconceptions about Made in PRC products. The majority think that products that are made in China and manufactured are not of good quality. This is the biggest conception.
In reality, the reason for this misconception is rooted in the fact that China does produce some low-quality products. Moreover, they are also popular in making replicas of big brands that they sell for at least 1/10th the price. So, why does China do that?
Again, it is the game of demand and supply! Some of the best Chinese wholesale manufacturers sitting in the wholesale markets tell you that there is a worldwide demand for these products. The reason why China used to produce these products was that the global market could not afford high-end brands.
Therefore, retailers were turning to Chinese manufacturers to make A, B, C quality of replica products. For instance, even know there are many websites where you can find replica stuff.
Chapter 2: 10 Misconceptions When People Hear “Made in China” Products
Are you one of the people who have held misconceptions related to products that are made in China? Over the years, people have associated products made in China with poor quality. Apart from this, there are some other major misconceptions that are discussed in this chapter.
1. No creativity – Just Copy Famous Brands
For years and years, the public has thought that China has no creativity and only produces copies of the brands. This is a total misconception.
The reason why China is producing copies of famous brands is because of the high demand for these copies all over the world. Many buyers come to China and try to produce replicas of famous brands at affordable prices.
However, there are slight changes to the design in order to not infringe upon the patents of those products. Also Chinese manufacturers will not include the logos of famous brands. So until the patent of those famous brands is not being infringed. It is well under the law.
Where there is a large market for copied products, you can see a lot of creativity in China too. In the last 2 decades, China has become the market leader in introducing new trends all over the world.
We will also mention here in past years, there have been huge crackdowns by the Chinese government to stop products exact replicas of famous brands.
The new era of Chinese production is all focused on research and development and creating new designs and technology.
2. Only Low-Quality Products are Manufactured In China
People assumed that only low-quality products are manufactured in China.
The reason for this misconception was that buyers used to demand the production of different qualities of the product.
For instance, they used to order quality A, B, C and D for the same product. Hence, lower quality products, as well as high-quality ones, were produced at a time.
3. All the Brands you Find in China are Fake and not Real
Another major misconception is that all the brands you find in China are fake and not real. This is a BIG NO. You will be surprised to know that most of the major brands of the world have their factories and production units in China.
Giants like Tesla, Apple, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani etc. all have production facilities in China.
4. Personal Connections Gets Work Done in China
Just a glimpse at this picture shows that China is leading the world export market by a huge margin. This clearly shows that the manufacturers/suppliers in China know how to do business with international clients.
If doing business in China was difficult, the country would not be topping the world in exports!
5. The Chinese People Don’t Want to Work with Foreigners
It is known worldwide that Chinese people are very particular about their language and everything. Even if they knew English or any other language, they will communicate in their mother tongue only.
This gave rise to the misconception that the Chinese people don’t like working with foreigners. This is not true. China has welcomed thousands of foreigners every year to come and buy the Made in PRC products at affordable prices and sell in their own markets at a profit.
However, it is true that the smaller Chinese suppliers/manufacturers still prefer to communicate in Chinese or Mandarin. But, the bigger suppliers who do business internationally do speak English mostly.
6. “Made in China” Products are not Customizable and come from a Single Mold
Because China produces products in bulk, there is a misconception that all they do is photocopy products and make the same one again and again.
This is not true. Most of the suppliers offer the option of customization to the buyers. If you order as per the minimum order quantity, you get the option of customization.
For instance, in this picture, the supplier is offering different customization options. You can get a customized logo and packaging only if you order at least 1000 pieces. Moreover, some of the big manufacturers also fully customize the products for you. All you need to do is give them your requirements and specifications and they can manufacturer the entire product for you.
You can read about both OEM and ODM services here!
7. “Made in PRC” Means Fragile and Breakable Products
Generally, people assume that made-in-PREC products are only fragile and flimsy. However, this is not true.
It all depends on the professional shipping and handling of the fragile products and how well it is packed. There are many sourcing companies in China now who can help you with packaging and shipping in the most professional way.
8. Only Cheap Products are Made in China
Another misconception is that the products made in China are on the cheaper side in terms of quality and price. Sometimes, the cheap price can give rise to the misconception that those products are not of good quality. However, this is not the case.
The reason why Chinese manufacturers are able to produce goods much cheaper than the rest of the world are many. For instance, economies of scale, huge production facilities, mass production and automation are just some of the reasons.
9. Only Low-Quality Materials are used to Manufacture “Made in China” Products
The best thing about China is that you can get any quality of products imaginable made. You, as a buyer, need to be very specific about what you want.
All types of materials from very expensive ones to cheap ones are available in China and you can pick either of them. This gave rise to this misconception that low-quality materials are always used.
10. China is Full of Scammers and you will never get your Products Delivered to You
Another major misconception is that China is full of scammers and the suppliers don’t send the products to you. They take your money and don’t deliver. This is not the case.
Scammers are present everywhere and you need to be vigilant to save yourself from scammers. AsianDavinci have written various blogs on how to source products from China and how to avoid scams from China. Please visit our blog page and search for scams in China blog.
If you have done international trade, you will know that there are people everywhere, in every country that try to scam people and gain profit off of them. This is not only limited to China and can happen with you anywhere.
If you are still indecisive about sourcing Made in PRC products, don’t be! You can book a free consultation with our sourcing representative. She will be more than happy to help you out regarding all your queries and questions.
Chapter 3: What Role does Research and Development have in making “Made in PRC” Products Demanded Worldwide?
Undoubtedly, the decision to change made in China products to made in PRC was nothing less than genius. Excessive research and development play a major role in making the demand for Chinese products increase all over the world.
1. Chinese Government Interest’s in Research and Development
The Chinese government has been funding research and development in the country. They are focused and determined to make a name for themselves in the world and are already doing that successfully.
Lorem A major reason for this newfound interest of the world in Chinese products is the efforts of the Chinese government.
They have been allocating a huge amount of the budget to research and development to make their products stand out in the world. Moreover, they provide a lot of sanctions and grants to both the private and public sectors that are involved in research and development.
2. Statistics about Increased Spending on R and D
The spending of the government on R and D increased 10.3% in 2020 and came up to $378 billion making up 2.4% of the total GDP.
China is working harder to climb the technological ladder. Because of the excessive research and development, they have already become the “World’s Factory” providing newly developed Chinese products to the world.
3. Fast Developing Economy attracts Technological Talent from all over the World
Research and development have opened new avenues for China. Their fast-growing and developing economy is not only allowing them to make big money, but it is also attracting top talent from all over the world.New job opportunities, new technologies like robots, etc., and breakthroughs have opened the eyes of the rest of the world. This allowed China to attract smart brains from all over the world.
New job opportunities, new technologies like robots, etc., and breakthroughs have opened the eyes of the rest of the world. This allowed China to attract smart brains from all over the world.
Along with acceptance, China is becoming the technological hub of the world. Huge brands like Tesla and Apple have their manufacturing and assembly plants here.
The production capacity and capabilities of Chinese manufacturing is increasing day by day and this is why they have more opportunities which people from all over the world want to exploit.
4. Market Leaders in Manufacturing New Products
There is no doubt in the fact that everything China does is huge. They have huge production facilities, huge infrastructures, and huge logistics. This is why they are producing new products in bulk.
They have the setup, they have the production capabilities to produce the top-of-the-line market products in no time. This ability to mass-produce combined with R&D has brought Made in PRC products to a whole new level.
5. Shift From Manufacturing to R&D
Initially, China focused on manufacturing. They aimed to produce things in bulk to give the best price to the buyers. In recent years, they have shifted their focus to R and D.
They are still carrying out mass production and making items in bulk, but they are focusing more on research and development and producing new and unique technology made of high-quality material.
The focus on research and development has allowed them to further increase and refine their production capabilities.
6. Introduction of Robots and Automation in the Manufacturing Sector
A few years ago the concept of robots working in factories was as good as fiction. China has made this come true.
There are a few manufacturing facilities where robots are working on small tasks. Apart from this, the automation of most of the manufacturing and production processes has made things quicker and easier.
7. Bigger Network of Roads, Rail, and Ports to Ship Goods Worldwide
China has a very strong logistics system. They have well-developed roads and excellent ports from where thousands of containers are dispatched to the different corners of the world
This is a massive infrastructure as China has the highest network of roads and railways. Some of the biggest ports in the world are also located in China. This means the delivery of your products is fast and efficient. The logistics network in China is one of the best in the world.
Chapter 4: Why are Major World Brands Producing and Assembling Products in China?
All the huge brands of the world are manufacturing and assembling their products in China. The reason for this is simple. China has a lot to offer.
So this is enough proof that if major brands are focused on China, this means the Chinese are also providing high-quality Made in PRC products.
Following are some of the major reasons why companies around the world like to get their products manufactured in China.
1. Low Cost of Labor and a Large Number of Human Resources
The low labor cost is a big attraction for people of the world. The reason for this is that the population of China is huge.
The supply of labor is greater than the demand of labor and this drives the cost of the labor force down. So, the greater numbers of human resource ensures that the labor cost remains low.
2. Established Production and Supply Chains for Made in PRC products
To get your products manufactured in China, you don’t need to worry much. There are already huge manufacturing and assembly plants on which you can get to produce and assemble a particular product.The supply chains are also very mature. China is known as the “World’s Factory” for a reason.
The supply chains are also very mature. China is known as the “World’s Factory” for a reason.
You name a product, and there is an 80% chance that it is already being manufactured there in one form or the other. There are established supply chains and a lot of suppliers to choose from.
3. Excellent Business Ecosystem to make Made in PRC products
You can’t expect industrial production to take place alone. There is a complete ecosystem that runs alongside it. For one product to be made there is a whole ecosystem that comes together.
This includes the suppliers of raw materials, distributors, logistic companies, sourcing companies, packaging material suppliers, and even the customers.
Chinese manufacturers play smart. Most of them have well-established suppliers nearby. This is why companies like Apple benefit from the efficient supply chain in China. They can easily cut down on cost of production. Secondly, the big industries are situated in areas that have excellent infrastructure and are near ports. Thus, making it easier to do business.
4. Political Stability in China to grow Made in PRC brand
For the past many decades, China has seen a very stable government. This has encouraged foreign investors to invest in China. Generally, it has been observed that countries with better political stability attract more foreign investment as there are no worries of economic turmoil.
5. Excellent Logistics Services in China to ship Made in PRC products
The well-developed logistics service in China is the reason why you see made-in-PRC brands all over the world. China has all 4 forms of logistics; air, road, rail and sea.
There are many airports, seaports, and railways in China. Moreover, the road infrastructure is simple and clean and allows for a quick commute between regions.
With different initiatives like “Belt and Road, China is looking to make better road ties with their neighboring countries. This will make the import and export of goods easier and more cost-effective.
6. Low cost of Logistics because of Bulk Movements
Not only are the logistic services top-notch, but the bulk movements further result in a decrease in their cost. Every day hundreds and thousands of containers leave the seaport and airport.
This means you don’t need to book entire shipments for your order. One consignment can carry orders from different customers if the quantity is small. This distributes the price over many partners.
7. Open markets and trade agreements:
Global business operations and trade relations with other countries are greatly aided by China’s active participation in numerous trade agreements and its dedication to an open market economy.
International companies looking to do business in and with China can now benefit from this commitment in several ways.
First off, China promotes a more favorable climate for international trade through its participation in regional and international trade agreements.
China encourages trade liberalization, tariff reduction, and the removal of obstacles to market access by actively participating in agreements like the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China’s efforts to reduce bureaucratic barriers and streamline regulatory processes are indicative of its commitment to an open market economy.
To entice foreign investment, the government has put policies in place and is providing incentives like tax breaks and subsidies.
This dedication to transparency creates an atmosphere in which international brands can more easily set up production plants, distribution networks, and trade.
Chapter 5: How is AsianDavinci Sourcing Redefining the Quality of Chinese Products throughout the World?
We at AsianDavinci Sourcing are working hard around the clock to help buyers from all over the world source products from China.
Moreover, our aim is to spread Made in PRC products to every corner of the world and get China worldwide appreciation. We know this can only be done by providing the best quality Chinese products.
With over 1500 plus international clients, we have already paved the way for Chinese products in the world. But, we believe that it does not stop here! Read on to understand how we do what we do!
1. Only High-Quality Suppliers Are Selected
We do not have any B-grade suppliers on our list. Moreover, all the suppliers we get the products or raw materials from are of high quality.
Firstly, we check the license. Second, we check the factory/outlet of the manufacturer/supplier. If we are not satisfied, we don’t proceed with any deals. However, if we are satisfied, we go ahead and make the deal on your behalf.
Firstly, we check the license. Second, we check the factory/outlet of the manufacturer/supplier. If we are not satisfied, we don’t proceed with any deals. However, if we are satisfied, we go ahead and make the deal on your behalf.
2. We are very clear about your Product Specifications
We aim to understand the product specifications of the clients. In case, there is something unclear or any ambiguity, we ask again.
Until the product specifications and clients’ demands are not properly understood, we know that the final product will never be of high quality. So, we need to be clear about the product specifications before carrying on.
3. Directly Get in Touch with the Product Manager and Owner of the Factories.
There are no loopholes when it comes to the working of AsianDavinci Sourcing . We are very clear when it comes to quality. Nevertheless, we ensure high quality and the best materials being used.
We stay in touch with the production manager and the owner of factories directly to know how the production process is going on. Thus, all ambiguities and progress are kept an eye on. Moreover, we directly work with those who are the decision makers to solve any issues immediately.
4. Proper Inspection is done to make sure no Poor Quality Product is Shipped
Before the order is shipped, a proper inspection is done. We check the quality of the products to ensure they meet the client’s quality standards. We perform Pre Production Inspection, Mid Production Inspection as well as Pre Shipment Inspection.
5. Proper Quality Checks
There are quality checks at every step. From the purchasing of raw materials to the final product being manufactured, quality checks are done. Even when the final product is being loaded on the container for shipment, we do a final quality check so that the best product is sent to the buyer.
Meanwhile, we also have a proper inspection time that is dedicated to your work around the clock.
6. AsianDavinci has an already Established Reliable Suppliers’ Network
AsianDavinci Sourcing has been in the business for a long enough time to have built a good network of suppliers.
First, we check the license of the supplier. Next, we verify the factory/source of production. Third, we conduct quality checks on the sample. Fourth, we discuss the requirements and specifications provided by you. Lastly, we cross-check the reliability.
7. No Language Barrier as the Majority of our Staff Speaks Fluent English
To assist our overseas clients, we have recruited people who speak and understand English fluently. Hence, the buyer does not face any language barrier, and working with us becomes easier.
Also, we have trained our staff to understand the different cultures of various countries which enables them to better understand your sourcing needs and communicate more professionally.
Learn how to overcome language barriers and communicate clearly with your Chinese sourcing partner. Discuss and learn tips from our Sourcing Expert. So, book your consultation session and get valuable guidance.
8. Constant Communication
Unlike other sourcing agencies, we just don’t take an order and forget about the client. On the contrary, constant feedback and progress update is given to the clients. We constantly share all the feedback with them as things happen. In case of any issue, it is resolved as soon as possible.
Chapter 6: How to Ensure Quality of Made-in-PRC Products
Now that you know about all the myths related to Made-in-PRC products, you can feel more confident while outsourcing from China. However, you still have to ensure that your products have quality that meet your standards. Otherwise, there may be issues, like defects, durability issues, and other problems.
This section, therefore, discusses steps that you must follow to ensure the best product quality.
1. Connect with Reputable Suppliers through Sourcing Companies
To ensure the quality of Made-in-PRC products, connecting with reputable suppliers is extremely important. One effective way to do this is by working with professional sourcing companies.
These companies have expertise in finding reliable manufacturers and verifying their track records. They help you avoid dealing with unknown or untrustworthy suppliers, which can lead to poor-quality products.
Moreover, sourcing companies often have established networks of trusted manufacturers. They perform background checks, factory audits, and even product inspections to ensure high standards.
LThis reduces your risk of receiving defective or low-quality goods. They also help in negotiating better terms and managing communication with the suppliers, ensuring that your product specifications are understood and met.
2. Hire Third-Party Inspection Companies
These independent companies specialize in checking the production process and final goods to ensure they meet your quality standards. They act as your eyes on the ground, especially if visiting the factory in person is difficult.
LThird-party inspection companies perform various types of checks. This includes pre-production inspections, in-process inspections, and final product checks before shipment.
Moreover, they evaluate factors like materials used, product dimensions, functionality, and packaging. Therefore, they identify issues and help avoid costly mistakes and delays.
These companies are impartial, meaning their sole focus is on the quality of the product rather than any direct relationship with the supplier. So, this provides a level of trust and reliability.
Some well-known inspection companies include SGS, Bureau Veritas, and Intertek. By hiring a third-party inspector, you gain confidence that your products meet the required standards before they reach your customers.
3. Communicate Clear Quality Requirements
When outsourcing products from China, it’s crucial to communicate clear quality requirements to ensure consistency and prevent misunderstandings.
Suppliers need specific instructions to meet your expectations, so being detailed is key. Therefore, provide clear product specifications, including material types, dimensions, weight, and any special features.
Furthermore, you should set measurable quality standards, like acceptable tolerance levels for defects, and define what constitutes a pass or fail. This helps both parties agree on the expected outcome. So, include quality control plans outlining how and when inspections should take place during production.
It’s also important to provide visual references or samples. These can help your supplier better understand the final product and reduce the chances of errors. Moreover, use simple, clear language to avoid confusion, especially if there are language barriers.
Also, regular communication and follow-ups ensure that the supplier stays on track with your quality standards.
4. Monitor Production with On-Site Visits
Regular factory visits allow you to directly oversee the manufacturing process and ensure that it aligns with your quality standards. You can check how materials are sourced, how machinery is maintained, and how workers handle your products.
On-site visits help identify potential issues in the production process. This includes problems with raw materials, production delays, or quality control lapses. Therefore, by being physically present, you can quickly resolve these issues before they affect the final product.
Building a relationship with your supplier through in-person meetings also fosters trust and accountability. It shows the supplier that you are serious about maintaining high-quality standards, which often motivates them to perform better.
However, frequent visits may not always be feasible, so many companies arrange visits at key stages of production. This allows for timely interventions, ensuring that the products meet your specifications before shipping.
5. Request for Samples
Samples allow you to evaluate the product’s material, craftsmanship, and overall quality firsthand. This helps you verify whether the manufacturer can meet your specific requirements.
When requesting samples, be clear about the exact specifications you want, such as dimensions, colors, and features. This ensures that the sample accurately reflects the final product.
Receiving a sample also allows you to test the product for functionality, durability, and safety. If you are satisfied with the sample, it’s a good indication that the final bulk production will meet your standards.
Moreover, samples can reveal any potential misunderstandings between you and the supplier regarding product expectations. If there are issues with the sample, you can address them with the manufacturer before production starts.
Many suppliers offer free or discounted samples, so always ask about options to minimize costs.
Chapter 7: FAQs about Made in PRC Products
Conclusion
Chinese manufacturers have strategically responded to the ongoing negative impressions about the quality of goods branded “Made in China” by adopting the “Made in PRC” label. This rebranding campaign emphasizes the need for in-depth knowledge and understanding of product quality and craftsmanship while simultaneously reflecting an appreciation of the difficulties faced by Chinese exports. Due to the reliance of the international market on Chinese goods, there needs to be a change in attitude to acknowledge the breakthroughs and improvements in manufacturing standards made.
If you are looking for an authentic source to help you source the products, we are here to help! You can leave us a message at AsianDavinci Sourcing and we will connect with you!