Poorly Made in China: An Insider's Account of the Tactics Behind China's Production Game
byPaul Midler
An insightful read that brings you into the negotiations and relationships that are formed between American and Chinese Manufacturers. Midler sheds some light on how Chinese Manufacturers have been able to dominate the market and hold their place, as well as some of the questionable business practices that take place to keep costs low. I enjoyed the books journalists tone, which kept me engaged and informed. I'll definitely look at my shampoo bottles' differently thanks to this book.
Motivations to Read
Around my freshman year of college shortly after the financial collapse, China was big on the news. It became trendy for politicians to blame china for taking away the jobs. I came across this book and thought it would be interesting to hear an inside story of an American who ended up having a deep relationship working with Chinese manufacturers.
3 Reasons to Read
- Learn about the controversial practice known as 'quality fade', which involves the deliberate and secretive habit of widening profit margins through a reduction in the quality of materials over time.
- An insider's account of Chinese Manufacturing practices.
- A better understanding of the Chi-Merica (Chinese + American) economic relationship/codependency.
Notable Quotes
Somewhere along the line, Made in China began to sound like a bargain. (...) When an importer told a retail buyer that an item was quoted at 65¢ and made in the USA, the buyer figured it could be purchased somewhere cheaper.
When the same product was quoted at 65¢ and was said to have been made in China the buyer figured it could not be found for any less. - Paul Midler
Appearance over substance was a cultural theme in China. - Paul Midler China manufacturing was a game played on a field without referees. - Paul Midler
Poorly Made in China: An Insider's Account of the Tactics Behind China's Production Game Notes & Summary
