Cheap imported Cabinets

The last 10 years have seen an avalanche of products from China on the shore Washing the U.S. market. A product which is having a significant impact in western states is cabinets. This article aims to give an idea of the impact it has had on the market for cabinets and consumers warning regarding the value of the goods and deficient.

First let me mention why I feel qualified to address the issue. I've been in the remodeling and the construction industry for almost 40 years. Currently my wife and I own a kitchen and bathroom remodeling company in Southern California. We were involved import indirectly and directly with the installation of hundreds of games of Chinese furniture in the past. We buy, with others from manufacturing sources, and I have experience with more than a dozen types of product. Also I have many friends and contacts in the construction industry and remodeling of the entire country, shared their experiences with me. Also my wife is Chinese.

First let's talk about distribution channels and then enter the characteristics of the product itself.

Most import Chinese cabinets are Asian states or middleastern. This is natural since they are part of the world and are used to bring goods east to the western market. Normally, a major company or consortium will contract with a manufacturing plant in China, either directly or through a proxy. Prices obtained based on an agreed number of units / loads of containers in a given period of time. Receive containers from the long beach or in the ports of LA and warehouse products locally or sent overland to be stored somewhere cheaper logistically advantageous.

The product is then distributed through a flexible network that consists of builders, remodelers and retailers. These outlets are usually small rooms exhibition centers and shopping strips or carpet floors.

The product was sold as the cheap quality. It is not uncommon to see newspaper ads full range 10×10 kitchens in solid oak including granite countertops for less than $ 3,000.00.

This massive invasion of low-cost cabinet has considerable market share outside the U.S. manufacturers that catered to the new construction and renovation of low-end markets. This has had only a marginal impact on manufacturers catering to more customers a high level. However, as happened in other areas, particularly the automotive industry, the jurisdiction of this began with cheap deals low quality, but later adapted higher levels of quality and those who work for Lexus. You know the rest of the story. The same scenario can play in this market, and cunning and manufacturers need to avoid complacency that sent the U.S. automotive industry bankruptcy.

Let's look at product. In order Only time will deal with general characteristics. Just enough so that consumers aware of the limitations products.

First it said that the Chinese have done their homework as far as they know they use buzzwords for American audiences. They have learned how to position their products to appear about the same as the competition still less than half the cost.

Let's start with the wood itself. The most common types used for doors, drawer fronts and face frames are made of oak, beech and birch. They are abundant in this part of the world. The oak is sold as oak, while what passes for maple or cherry beech and birch is stained to look the part.

Second, wood is not kiln dried, but dried with other faster, cheaper methods. This is important because oven drying stabilizes the wood which in turn prevents deformations, cracks and checks.

The balance of the cabinet box is made of wood but not quality typical Western manufacturers. If you were to saw cut the plywood sides would see that the plywood panels have large gaps in the inside, outside the view that compromise the stability of the building. One wonders about the adhesives used since the Chinese are known for the use of toxic materials, when the actual cost, with little or no regard for consumer safety. Think sweet and sheetrock.

The finish is not oil-based paint pre-catalyzed that distinguishes the best quality for durability and appearance. Nor is dried with the lights like a car finish faster but with other cheaper methods. Moreover, because the methods and materials are changing rapidly, the finishes that were available at one time may be impossible to find or duplicate the following year.

Finally, the hardware, as it is made to see how good things are made of cheap metal can fatigue and break after a short period of time.

In conclusion, the market for these cabinets is currently the low end for good reason, but over time these products continue to improve and that time in 10 years will be of great prestige.

Good luck with your remodeling project, David Allen (Preferred Cabinets)

http://www.preferredcabinets.com

About the Author

Wm David Allen

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