Safe and Bright Holidays Start with Quality

The holiday season should be a time of joy, but it also brings heightened risks when it comes to product safety. As consumers buy decorations, consumer electronics, and other seasonal items, many unknowingly bring products into their homes that may not meet basic safety standards. This is not just a holiday issue—it’s a reminder of the broader responsibility manufacturers have to prioritize quality and safety over racing inferior (perhaps even unsafe) products to market.

Quality and safety are not optional accessories. They are essential to every product that enters the market. When manufacturers fail to adhere to these principles, the consequences can be serious. Defective holiday decorations, for example, can overheat and cause fires. Poorly designed space heaters can malfunction, leading to accidents. Even products as seemingly harmless as cozy electric blankets can turn hazardous if not properly designed and rigorously tested.

These aren’t just occasional mishaps—they are preventable issues stemming from gaps in manufacturing accountability.

Every product should meet strict standards before reaching store shelves. Certifications like the ETL Mark exist for this purpose. They offer consumers an easy way to identify products that have undergone thorough testing for electrical and mechanical safety. More importantly, they represent a commitment from manufacturers to ensure their products work as intended without jeopardizing the well-being of their users. When manufacturers take this responsibility seriously, they help protect consumers, build trust, and elevate their brand reputation.

Retailers also play a vital role in this equation. By choosing to stock only products that carry recognized certification marks such as ETL, they act as gatekeepers for consumer safety. Retailers must demand proof of compliance from their suppliers and avoid unnecessary risk (and potential liability) by offering uncertified, lower-quality items. Their customers rely on them not just for selection and convenience but for assurance that the products they sell are safe to use. A retailer’s reputation is tied to the trust they build, and prioritizing certified products is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen that trust.

Historically, people could enter a retail store and inspect the product or its packaging for information. Today, however, with nearly $1 Trillion worth of electronics purchased online each year (according to Shopify), consumers don't have the luxury of the touch-and-inspect test. They have to rely on information provided on the retailer's web page, which is often just provided by the manufacturer. It may or may not include correct safety certification information. The consumer is left putting his or her trust in the retailer's brand reputation that the information is correct.

The holiday season also highlights the pitfalls of a “let the buyer beware” marketplace. Consumers are often expected to decipher product claims, understand or research certifications, and guess at potential risks. While consumer education is important, manufacturers should take on a heavier burden of ensuring safety. Products must be designed with real-world use in mind. Testing should be thorough, simulating worst-case scenarios to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Quality and safety should be integrated into every step of the design and production process, from the materials chosen to the final assembly.

Manufacturers who prioritize quality and safety gain more than compliant products—they build trust with their customers. A product that works as promised and minimizes safety risk speaks volumes about a company’s values. Certifications, clear labeling, and transparent safety practices tell a story of accountability. They signal to consumers that the company behind the product cares about their well-being, not just their wallets.

This conversation about safety during the holidays is part of a larger dialogue about the role of manufacturers in a responsible marketplace. It's not just a focus on or an indictment against seasonal decorations. However, the need for accountability applies year-round. Toys, appliances, tools, lights, chargers, detectors, IT equipment, and countless other products enter homes every day. They must all meet a standard that ensures safety is never an afterthought.

The world is filled with products designed to enhance our lives, but they can only fulfill that promise when safety and quality are prioritized. Manufacturers have the tools, knowledge, and resources to produce items that work well and protect users. It’s not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a moral one.

As consumers bring new items into their homes this holiday season, they deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing those products were built with care. For manufacturers, there’s no greater gift they can give.

This holiday season, take a closer look at the products you use and the companies behind them. If you're in the U.S. or Canada, look for the ETL mark as a sign of safety and quality. Do your research about how products are tested and certified. And remember, a marketplace where quality comes first benefits everyone—not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Of course, if you'd like to learn more about Intertek, the ETL mark, and what we mean by "Total Quality Assurance", visit https://www.intertek.com/electronics.

Wishing a happy and safe holidays to all... and to all a good night.