In the context of marketing, what is perceived quality?

Perceived quality refers to the consumer's assessment of the quality of a product or service based on their personal experiences, beliefs, and impressions. It encompasses factors such as brand reputation, marketing, design, and user experience, leading to the overall impression that a consumer has of a product’s quality. This perception can significantly influence purchasing decisions, often transcending actual performance or measurable quality.

In this context, perceived quality is crucial because it impacts consumer behavior and brand loyalty. A high perceived quality can justify premium pricing and foster customer loyalty, regardless of the actual quality measured through rigorous testing. While other elements like actual quality, price comparison, and brand standards might influence perceived quality, they do not embody it. Instead, they represent separate concepts within the larger framework of consumer perceptions in marketing.