German Approach
In Germany quality is more than just one of several product characteristics. The term Qualität is all-encompassing. It is a striving to go beyond the expectations and standards of the market. Patterns
American Approach
For Americans quality is just one of several product characteristics. And it is always a function of price. In fact, in the U.S. market it’s all about value, about the relation of quality to price. Patterns
American View
Americans would agree that Germans products most often are of very high quality. At the same time, they are considered to be high- even over-priced.
Secondly, the American economy allows for products of differing quality levels, some high, some low, many in between. A full range of value-based products are available to the buyer.
German View
Germans clearly view their products as possessing higher quality than American products.
Advice to Germans
This is a critical discussion, and a sensitive, at times highly charged topic. It goes to the heart of your product philosophies. Enter into dialogue about quality. Define it.
Is it based on purely technical standards? On the needs of the market? Who is driving those expectations? You on the product creation side or those the market?
Advice to Americans
This is a critical discussion, and a sensitive, at times highly charged topic. It goes to the heart of your product philosophies. Enter into dialogue about quality. Define it.
Is it based on purely technical standards? On the needs of the market? Who is driving those expectations? You on the product creation side or those the market?