What Does “Quality” Mean?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 9:03 PM by Betty Brennan in Other


What does good quality look like?  Dont all companies say they produce quality products?  How does saying your work is high-quality set you apart from your competitors?

I believe that several factors go into making a product a Quality Product.  Some might say that quality means the product has to be built to last.  I would have to agree with this statement and is one reason we offer a five-year warranty.  I think attention to detail plays a role in quality.

I recently visited a museum that just opened a new exhibit.  As I was walking around critiquing everything and comparing it to our work, I noticed some things that I would never accept or approve from our fabricators.  For instance, there were brad nail holes in painted framing that were left unfilled.  These holes stood out and were very noticeable.

I also noticed unfinished cabinets doors.  The inside edge was left unpainted/laminated.  The plywood plys were easily seen given the uneven cut of the door.  (No, this wasnt a design element or accent.)

I could also tell one particular wall was made of MDF given the lack of finish along the edges around an opening.  It looked like they didnt sand the edge and just paint it.

Needless to say I was disappointed in the lack of attention to detail, but I left feeling good that we pay attention to those things.  I feel it is something that helps set us apart from our competitors and allows us to say we do quality work.  We fuss about the small stuff and pay attention to the details.

What does museum quality look like to you?

Posted by: Jason, Art Director

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