Have you ever found that replacing an existing product with a newer version has lower lifespan? You are not alone in this. From fashion accessories to consumer products, electronic appliances to consumer technologies, all of them are experiencing a drastic drop in product quality.  

In recent years, the overall products quality and lifetime are becoming worse. From electronics to household items, it seems like things are breaking more easily and lasting for shorter periods of time. In this article, we will explore why this is happening and what we can do about it.

Business decisions impact product quality

One of the main reasons for the decline in product quality is the focus on profit. Companies are often more concerned with making a quick profit than with producing high-quality items that will last. This is because they know that they can make more money in the long run by continually selling new products to replace the old ones. In order to do this, they use cheaper materials and shortcuts in the manufacturing process, resulting in products that are less durable and more likely to break.

Another reason for the decline in product quality is globalization. As companies move their manufacturing operations to other countries, they are often able to take advantage of lower labour costs and weaker regulations. This means that they can produce products more cheaply, often at the cost of quality. Additionally, the distance between the company and the manufacturing plant can make it more difficult for the company to monitor the quality of the products being made, which can result in subpar products.

Technology is also playing a role in the decline of product quality. 

As technology advances, it becomes possible to produce more and more sophisticated products, but this also means that there is more that can go wrong. Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological change means that products are becoming obsolete more quickly, which makes it less likely that companies will invest in making them durable.

Finally, consumers themselves are partly responsible for the decline in product quality. We are often more concerned with the price of a product than with its quality, and we are often willing to sacrifice quality in order to save money. This creates a demand for cheaper, lower-quality products, which in turn reinforces the behaviour of companies that prioritize profit over quality.

So, what can we do about this decline in product quality? 

One solution is to support companies that are committed to producing high-quality products. This can be done by researching products before we buy them, and choosing to buy from companies that have a reputation for making products that are well-made and durable. Additionally, we can support legislation that holds companies accountable for the quality of their products, and that requires them to use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.

Another solution is to take better care of the products that we already own. By using products properly and maintaining them properly, we can extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacements. Additionally, by fixing products when they break instead of throwing them away, we can reduce waste and keep products out of landfills.

Finally, we can also try to change our own behaviour as consumers. By being more mindful of the products that we buy, and by being willing to pay a little more for higher-quality items, we can encourage companies to focus on quality instead of profit. This can lead to a virtuous cycle, where consumers demand better products, companies respond by making better products, and consumers are then willing to pay more for those products, which encourages companies to continue making high-quality products.

In conclusion, the decline in product quality is a complex issue with many factors at play. However, by supporting companies that prioritize quality, taking better care of the products that we own, and changing our own behaviour as consumers, we can help to reverse this trend and ensure that the products that we use are well-made and durable