Does 'bon marché' have the same connotation of "low quality" as 'cheap' in English?

Question

Somehow *bon marché* and *économique* sound positive to me, as some kind of praise. In English *cheap* has a connotation of *not good*. It can be used for an expensive thing but not well made. Am I just mistaken in my impression of *bon marché*, or does it really differ in French and English?

Answer 1

Hi Amari, "bon marché" has no negative connotation. It is rather positive, since it means that the product/service is unexpensive in view of its perceived value.

Hope it helps,

Sylvie