What is product quality?

Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes. 

Companies may also evaluate product quality based on various perspectives that show how different groups perceive the usefulness of a product. Perspectives to consider when assessing product quality include customer perspectives, manufacturing perspectives, product-based and value-based perspectives and transcendental perspectives, which perceive a product's value in relation to its cost. Using these perspectives, you can define product quality according to: 

• Performance and intended function

• Reliability of the product within a specific time frame

• Conformity to product specifications

• Product durability and lifespan

• Product serviceability

• Physical features of the product

• Customers' perception of the product

Why is product quality important?

Product quality is important because it affects the success of the company and helps establish its reputation in customer markets. When companies can create high-quality products that continue to meet customer demands, it can lead to fewer production costs, higher investment returns and increases in revenue.

Product quality also matters to the customers who depend on a company's attention to detail and customer demand. Companies create products to fill a need in the market, and consumers expect products to meet that need as the company advertises them. They want products that help them establish a connection with a brand so they know they can rely on the company's offerings. Quality products provide customers with safe, effective ways to solve their problems.