The myth of "Made in China"
We’re going to be 100% honest with you. Like many others, before we launched Shapeheart, we were cautious about manufacturing in China. Particularly concerning quality, working conditions, and the environmental cost. But after a few years, we feel qualified to give you our perspective on the subject.
"The « Made in China » means endorsing poor working conditions!"
UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES
The good and the bad...
It’s probably one of the first thoughts that come to mind when we say "Made in China". And it's even more so since the discovery of the Uyghur camps.
However, while this example (and others) is terrible and condemnable, Chinese production doesn’t boil down to just that. It's like still believing today that Parisians are always grumpy, all Americans are obese, and Spaniards take siestas... these things exist, but that's not all there is, fortunately.
The country’s rapid growth has led to a more qualified workforce and thus an increase in its cost. Brands that relocated to China in the 20th century brought jobs and capital to the population, raising their purchasing power.
UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES
This even allowed millions of citizens from the poorest rural areas to access a middle-class lifestyle: culture, education, transportation, and healthcare.
It’s no coincidence that most textile brands are now relocating their Chinese production to India, Bangladesh, or the Philippines. China is no longer the cheapest country.
Before COVID, we went there for every production. We employ people there, so naturally, we know all the factories we work with.
"Products made in China are of lower quality"
THE LOW COST
The "low-cost" culture...
To sum up this French dislike for Chinese products, the most common argument is "low cost". Everyone has said it, and we ended up believing it: "Made in China products are of poor quality." Yes, this happens on Amazon, Wish, and others, but again, your mobile phone also comes from China, and it works just fine, doesn’t it?
For us, who have worked with Chinese suppliers for a long time, we can assure you that yes, they know how to do low-cost but also quality. Like everywhere, you get what you pay for. When you treat your partners well, they reciprocate.
In fact, what limits the quality of Chinese production is mainly the specifications of brands that too often seek the lowest price.
"Producing in China is killing the French company"
DEEPER ISSUES
Truly understanding the needs of businesses...
When French brands don't voluntarily commit to producing in Europe to drastically reduce their ecological impact, they relocate to reduce their production costs.
Eventually, when these companies return to Europe, it's only because the cost differences have narrowed, and rarely out of patriotic duty.
You might say we're not creating jobs in France, but that's not true either… Sure, we're not creating production jobs, but we are creating jobs in our offices (sales - marketing - communication), and in distribution by working with small businesses.
Would you prefer a company that sells made-in-France online, or one that produces abroad but supports local businesses?
The reality… More attractive prices
THE BENEFITS
Better prices for us... and for you!
Honestly, would you be willing to buy your magnetic phone mount at twice the price simply because it’s “Made in France”? Let’s be real—how many of you chose our mounts because the price is far more attractive than our competitors?
Thanks to our production in China, in addition to being sold at an affordable price for everyone, the product maintains a quality comparable to, if not better than, other mounts on the market.
"Don’t capitalize on the fake « Made in France »"
THE BENEFITS
Being honest with yourself...
So yes, we could have done like other French companies: importing all the parts for our products, renting a warehouse in France just for assembly, and proudly claiming our products are "Made in France" with French flags all over the packaging. But isn’t that just taking people for fools?
We prefer to play the transparency card.
"And what about our international clients?"
THE BENEFITS
Strangers? Aren't we all?
Because yes, we must also consider that now, the majority of our products are sold abroad (outside of France). And for some of these countries, they are more accessible from Asia and China than from France.
And for other European countries, for example, producing in France or China is the same. The product isn't made there. We're all foreigners somewhere.
In short, China has a lot of advantages, and if behind it all, the intellectual property, employees, and taxes are in France, we believe we’re already contributing quite well to our system on our scale.
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