Chinese vs. Taiwanese or “Name brand”

[08087]

There has been some talk here about what scoot (country of origin) is better/worse, is it Chinese that is bad or that Taiwanese has better quality even though they are part of China or is it "Brand" dependant, that makes the difference?

[ScooterWolf]

My sister had been living in China for about two years, and currently her husband's still there supervising a plant for Converse/Nike. Trust, me -- the Taiwanese don't consider themselves Chinese. Those may even be fighting words among the Taiwanese from what I understand.

As discussed in the other Chinese scooter thread there are good and bad Chinese scooters. Right now only a few have international brand recognition (in the US), such as TNG. I think the quality and marketing plan of the Kymco line has been incredibly successful that they've allowed themselves to be major competitors for both Vespa, Honda, and many other scooter brands and manufactures. I can't say how the many different Chinese brands have fared in the international markets in Europe or the Americas, but they are having trouble finding a niche in the US markets due to a lack of parts and service. For the mechanical scooter enthusiast they're probably a great bargain. For those who aren't (and I'm still learning) a recognized name brand may be more attractive, especially when looking for service and parts.

Unfortunately in the US among mainstream scooter riders, Chinese scooters have a bad rep.

-Wolf

[Vivo]

When one hears "Made in China", it always has one connotation... "crap". But the reality of it all is what kind of Chinese Company or factory did the product come from? China is soooo big it will take you one whole week just to go to one factory to another.  Factories/Companies in China are from backyard manufacturing with chickens and pigs running around to the big high tech ones.  Our Company imports thousands if items from China (with our brand) and I'm the one in-charge of product development. With patience, you can really find good factories in China and the best thing is that they can produce whatever you want and with your specs and with the quality you want. Quality and specs is not up to them, but it is us who dictate what kind of quality we want, and they follow. 

The problem actually is not the source but the importers themselves. These are the type of business people who just want to make a quick buck. They just look for a Chinese supplier, check some items, import them, and sell.  We do it differently, I look for a Chinese supplier, get samples of their products, test and evaluate, make changes, test again, finalize changes, go on with production, require quality control, ask for pre-shipment samples, do another Q.C. upon arrival, distribute, monitor market, after market service, etc., etc.,....  And we do this every batch. The factories there comply with our requirements because they know we mean business. And the business grows...


People here don't really care where it's made because everybody has already accepted that all products (or most) are made in China. They just consider the brand name and I make sure that our brand always stand out. 

[shalbern]

OK Vivo, You sold me!

From your last post, you imply that you sell you own scooters, imported from China, imprinted with your own brand, and they meet your own quality standards.

Is that accurate? And if so what is your band and your website?

[08087]

Where did he say his company sells scoots? I missed that part.

[Vivo]

I never said I sold scoots from China...where did that come from..?  We are in the car accessories business... Car floor mats, rear view mirrors, steering wheels, stereos, amps. speakers, seat covers, air fresheners, shift knobs, pedal pads, car alarms, central locks, LEDs, fog lights, tints, locks, motorcycle helmets, gloves, strut bars, air filters.,etc. etc., etc.,  car care (e.g. wax, shampoo, oils, additives....etc. ) We import from the U.S., China, Japan, Europe, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and even local suppliers. We have around 28,000 stock keeping units, 22 retail stores, 120+ concession outlets and over 500 wholesale customers... been in the business for 45 years. 

[quicky]

Major players such as Honda, Yamaha, SYM and Kymco have assembly plants in China. Same superior build quality. See SYM's plant info here:
http://www.xsmt.com/en/about.aspx

[Vivo]

Our U.S. suppliers' products all come from different parts of Asia including China. American branded electronics, Car audio/video products, etc. come from China. These are legitimate American brands, however, what you read on the label is  "U.S.A." and not "Made in U.S.A."