Shanzhai, literally means “mountain stronghold” in Chinese, however, the term also can refer to things that are piratical or home-made, generally crude in form and function. A “shanzhai” edition of product refers to those outside of government regulations , and there are numerous fake and knockoff electronics/commodities made in China today.
“Shanzhai” has been a phenomenon that goes far beyond the simplistic view of “copycat products” and in popular Chinese cultural, it is also used to describe a vendor who operates a business without observing traditional rules or practices — often resulting in innovative and unusual products or business models. This new business phenomenon is affecting all of our lives whether we realize it or not. Because pirating is rampant these days, sometimes the products you see or purchase are not the real brands you want. You may be “tricked” by some fake products as the products are very similar that you can not easily tell their differences. Here are some examples:
OLAY VS OKAY.
IVIKE VS NIKE.
iPhone Vs Hiphone
Especially in mobile market, buyers want to have a modern, popular phone, Shanzhai manufacturers therefore maintain this ruse with a passion and they sometimes manufacture phones which is indifferent the real ones, or even add in some other multi-functions. The Shanzhai will continue to gain inspiration from all of these advancements, continuously striving to offer devices at unique local price points, often improving on brand names designs in the process. But what’s potentially very compelling is the possibility of more Shanzhai companies developing into brands themselves.
will continue talking about the Shanzhai next week 😀
Word Cited:
http://www.chinasmack.com/2008/pictures/funny-clever-chinese-shanzhai-brands.html
http://www.shanzai.com/market-mayhem/news
http://www.shanzai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2512:top-tech-trends-to-look-out-for-2011&catid=8:op-ed
Images:
http://www.chinasmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/shanzhai09.jpg
http://www.chinasmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/shanzhai01.jpg
http://gadgetsrepublic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/iphonesvshiphone.jpg