Letter:- 'Cheap Chinese imports compromise quality for price'

IWOULD like to thank you for your article in FTW about Cheap Chinese Crap (FTW October 5, 2007). That’s what I call it “CCC”. For over six months now I have made a point of checking out where items are made for use in my home. I am shocked that companies like Boardmans, Edgars, and evenWoolworths are so bent on purchasing from China, the level of quality in our shops has dropped dramatically in the past three years because of Chinese imports. South Africans are most certainly not getting value for their money. I can mention a few items I have had problems with – shoes, clothes, household appliances marked with CE standards that are not; the list goes on and on. I am glad to see the “anti-CCC” movement is growing and I continue to support it. It’s a shame that purchasing managers cannot see the long-term damage that will confront their companies due to poor quality. Perhaps your article should be printed in The Star’s import and export section. Well done for voicing what I have been telling my friends and family for a long time. Astrid Badenhorst, shipping manager. Genesis Fitness.