The furniture market, especially sofas, beds, and wardrobes, remains a key focus during the holiday season. Retailers are using aggressive promotional strategies such as discounts and price reductions to attract buyers. While high-end, mid-range, and budget furniture are all in high demand, consumer complaints are also on the rise. Many products boast labels like "all solid wood" or "foreign brand," which can be misleading. In reality, the market is flooded with low-quality options, making it difficult for consumers to tell the difference.
**Deceptive "Solid Wood" Furniture**
Consumer Xiao Zhao shared her experience: "I thought the wardrobe was made of real wood because it felt full and sturdy. But after checking more carefully, I found out it was actually MDF veneer. The store claimed it was only labeled as 'solid wood class' and didn’t promise pure solid wood."
Solid wood furniture has long been a top choice for those who prioritize quality and health, but many reports suggest that a significant number of complaints come from this category. According to the "General Technical Conditions for Wooden Furniture," furniture is categorized into three types: solid wood, wood-based panels, and composite furniture. Some small workshops have mastered the art of deception, producing items that look identical to real solid wood, even fooling experienced buyers.
Many stores proudly display signs saying "100% Solid Wood," but not all of them live up to their claims. Industry experts say that some so-called "pure solid wood" furniture uses materials like multi-layer boards, particle boards, or medium-density fiberboards (MDF) in less visible areas, such as the back panel or drawers. These products are sold at premium prices, exploiting the lack of knowledge among ordinary consumers.
According to national standards, furniture must contain over 70% solid wood to be officially classified as "solid wood." Terms like "pure solid wood," "log furniture," or "environmental solid wood" are not recognized by the official regulations, making them ambiguous and potentially misleading.
Currently, most bed frames and wardrobes on the market are made of wood. However, since the surface is often painted or covered, it's hard to see what's inside. Consumers should be cautious to avoid being tricked into buying particleboard or high-density board under the guise of solid wood.
**"Imported" Brand Furniture Scams**
Xiao Wu expressed frustration: "It's clearly made in China, but they call it an imported product. How can I feel comfortable paying such a high price?" This issue gained attention when CCTV exposed the Da Vinci furniture scandal, where fake foreign brands were used to deceive consumers.
Industry insiders revealed that it's common for domestic manufacturers to use foreign-sounding names to make their products appear more prestigious. "Many so-called imported brands are actually produced in small Chinese factories. A mattress might cost just 2,000 yuan to produce, but it’s sold for 8,000 yuan due to the foreign branding."
Some well-known brands have been found to be high-quality imitations. Dealers take advantage of customers’ desire for luxury and high prices, while maximizing their own profits. Some so-called foreign brands don't even have real English websites.
Another issue is that many furniture companies operate on a small scale and face supply shortages. To boost profits, some buy finished or semi-finished furniture from small workshops and resell them at a higher price. These products often lack proper quality control and after-sales support.
**"Zero Formaldehyde" – A Myth?**
Terms like "green" and "eco-friendly" are commonly used in the furniture industry. Many companies promote their products as "zero formaldehyde," but this is often misleading. Formaldehyde, listed as a suspicious carcinogen by the WHO in 2004, can remain in homes for 3–15 years, posing serious risks to the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Symptoms like stuffiness, nausea, dizziness, and skin allergies may indicate exposure to excessive formaldehyde. Indoor air pollution caused by furniture has become a major concern for many families.
While national standards limit formaldehyde emissions to 1.5 mg/L, achieving "zero formaldehyde" is currently impossible. Industry experts explain that glue, sponges, and wood-based panels used in furniture production all contribute to formaldehyde levels. Even solid wood furniture may contain some formaldehyde, depending on the finishing materials used.
**Expert Advice: Ask for the "Furniture Manual"**
To avoid harmful materials like non-standard MDF or particleboard, it's important to ask for the "Furniture Instructions for Use." This document should detail the main materials, adhesives, formaldehyde content, and after-sales service—key information for consumers to make informed decisions.
When purchasing, always ensure the contract specifies the size, color, materials, and quality assurance. Don’t rely solely on order forms; instead, use official contracts approved by the industrial and commercial authorities.
Additionally, look for certifications like the "China Environmental Label" or "Green Product" certification. If a product lacks an official seal on its inspection report, it may not be genuine. The ten-ring certification, issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is the highest environmental standard in China, and only the Environmental Certification Center is authorized to issue it.
By staying informed and asking the right questions, consumers can better protect themselves from deceptive practices in the furniture market.
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