What do we really mean when we infer that the quality of one product or material is better than another? It can be argued that quality of a product is subjective, and that the notion of quality is measured by the manufacturer, the user of the product, and the product itself as a system with other products and materials.
Manufacturers are concerned with producing products properly that conform to standards. Users consider costs compared to perceptions of quality, or comparisons with other products that may have nothing to do with manufacturing standards. Then, there is the degree to which a product performs in an overall system, as seen by both the manufacturer and user.
For many who are aware of the full range of manufacturing standards and standard specifications that apply to concrete pipe and precast boxes, the question of quality is not often raised. Modern concrete pipe is produced to the best standards of our time. Users of drainage products of all types should take the responsibility of understanding what is meant by claims of quality.