I get quite a few things from China. I live with a Chinese lady and she helps me with sourcing.
Many of peoples problems with Chinese products actually stems from the customer rather than the maker, and they are accustomed to the client wanting the lowest price rather than a quality spec instead. Thus they think all we want is cheapest possible, and in many cases they have that spot on.
However, as an example, I have an array of smokers in my office right now from a few Chinese makers. They sent me their standard quality and then a sample of what they can do in response to my spec.
We like the Dadant Big Smoke. It retails in the environs of 50 pounds here (though I did not come down in the last shower of rain and would not pay that kind of figure, so import them by the caseload for under half that ). The Chinese (well several companies actually) do smokers that are broadly similar and have dealt with the weak hinge between lid and body. I responded with specific requests for our own needs, and they then made a special sample. OK, so its still in China and I need to get it here, but the standard large smoker is $4.15, and the one amended to address all my special needs is $4.85. Some of the standard ones I have seen before, branded on the back with western bee supply houses marks on the back, apparently made in their own factories...yeah right....these companies are selling them to the west in container loads....often already branded and boxed ready for retail sale. Think you are buying home produced, yet quite often you might not be.
Hive tools? Many of the ones you see ARE made in China, but they are decent quality spring steel and we like them, even prefer them to many of the European made versions, and in boxes from China cost well under a pound....but that's not worth my while as I can buy the couple of boxes a year I need from a certain Danish supplier at a very favourable trade rate.
The Chinese will make whatever you want, to whatever spec you want, and they will do it well. You have to nail your spec down however. If you don't and they think they can do a better price using a shortcut not dealt with in the spec you might get something less than you expected. Whose fault is that? The bad spec or the cheapest option within the spec?
They are very used to us nailing their head to the floor for the sharpest prices. Do that and you get a product made to the price, so you have to get a quote for a quality and be prepared to pay a little more than rock bottom for the changes. 4.15 for a normal smoker or 4.85 for one that is what you need?
Of course I HAVE to say this lol....or there might be a laxative in my dinner this weekend.