The furniture market, particularly for sofas, beds, and wardrobes, is a major focus during the holiday season. Retailers are using aggressive promotional tactics like discounts and price reductions to attract customers. While high-end, mid-range, and budget furniture are all selling well, complaints about product quality and misleading information are on the rise. Terms like “all solid wood†or “foreign brand†catch the eye, but the market is full of imitations, making it difficult for consumers to tell the difference.
**Deceptive "Solid Wood" Furniture**
"I thought the wardrobe was made of real wood because it felt so solid," said consumer Xiao Zhao. "But after some time, I found out it was actually MDF veneer. The store claimed it was only labeled as 'solid wood class,' not pure solid wood." This kind of deception is becoming increasingly common in the market.
Solid wood furniture has long been a top choice for those who can afford it, due to its eco-friendly and health benefits. However, many complaints have emerged regarding the quality and authenticity of such products. According to the "General Technical Conditions for Wooden Furniture," furniture is classified into three categories: solid wood, wood-based panels, and composite furniture. Some small workshops use advanced techniques to make fake solid wood look almost identical to the real thing, making it hard for the average consumer to detect the difference.
During interviews, reporters noticed that most furniture stores prominently display signs claiming "100% Solid Wood." But according to industry experts, many of these products are not entirely made of solid wood. Instead, they may use materials like particle board or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in hidden parts such as back panels and drawers. These products are sold at premium prices under the guise of being "pure solid wood."
According to the national standards set by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine, furniture must be composed of more than 70% solid wood to qualify as "solid wood furniture." Terms like "pure solid wood," "log furniture," or "environmental solid wood" are not officially recognized and are considered misleading.
Currently, most bed frames and wardrobes on the market are made with wood, but their interiors are often hidden beneath paint or finishes. Consumers should be cautious and avoid being misled by low-quality materials like particleboard or high-density boards, which are sometimes disguised as solid wood.
**Imported Brands? Not Always What They Seem**
"It's clearly made in China, but they label it as imported. How can I feel comfortable paying such a high price?" said consumer Xiao Wu, frustrated by the trend of falsely branding domestic products as foreign.
The exposure of Da Vinci Furniture by CCTV’s "Weekly Quality Report" brought attention to how many companies fraudulently market Chinese-made furniture as imported. Industry insiders revealed that it's common for domestic manufacturers to dress up their products as foreign brands, significantly increasing their profit margins.
Some so-called imported brands don’t even have official English websites. Many furniture companies rely on cheap, mass-produced goods from small workshops, rebranding them and selling them at much higher prices. This not only misleads consumers but also compromises quality and after-sales service.
**"Zero Formaldehyde" – A Misleading Claim**
"Green" and "eco-friendly" have become buzzwords in the furniture industry, with many companies promoting "zero formaldehyde" products. However, formaldehyde, listed as a suspected carcinogen by the WHO in 2004, can remain in homes for 3–15 years, posing serious risks to human health.
Symptoms like chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, and skin allergies have been linked to poor indoor air quality caused by furniture. In recent years, the issue has extended beyond just product quality to include concerns about indoor pollution.
Formaldehyde mainly comes from wood panels, adhesives, and paints used in furniture manufacturing. While the national standard limits formaldehyde emissions to 1.5 mg/L, achieving zero is impossible. Experts say that even with protective measures, some level of formaldehyde will always be present. Claims of "zero formaldehyde" are often marketing gimmicks designed to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
**Expert Advice: Ask for the "Furniture Manual"**
Many furniture items made from substandard MDF or particleboard have led to indoor pollution issues. Salespeople often confuse the two materials to avoid negative perceptions. Experts suggest checking the cut surface of the panel to identify the material: MDF is denser and heavier, while particleboard is lighter and has visible pores.
If the same wood texture appears repeatedly on a piece of furniture, it might be imitation solid wood made with melamine paper. True solid wood furniture has consistent patterns on both sides of the board.
Law enforcement officials advise consumers to request the "Furniture Instructions for Use" when purchasing. This document should list key details such as materials, adhesives, formaldehyde levels, and after-sales support. It serves as an essential reference for understanding the product and protecting your rights.
When signing a contract, ensure that specifications like size, color, materials, and warranty are clearly stated. Do not treat manufacturer order forms as contracts—opt for standardized contracts approved by local authorities.
Additionally, look for certifications like the "China Environmental Label" or "Green Product" when buying eco-friendly furniture. Ensure that any product inspection reports are stamped with the official seal of a state-approved testing authority. The ten-ring certification, issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is the highest environmental standard in China and requires strict compliance.
In summary, the furniture market is filled with both genuine and deceptive products. Consumers must stay informed, ask the right questions, and take advantage of available resources to make safe and informed purchases.
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