Product and Service Classifications

Products and services fall into two broad classes based on the types of consumers that use them—consumer -products and industrial products. Broadly defined, products also include other marketable entities such as experiences, organizations, persons, places, and ideas.

Consumer Products

Consumer products are products and services bought by final consumers for personal consumption. Marketers usually classify these products and services further based on how consumers go about buying them. Consumer products include convenience products, shopping products, specialty products, and unsought products. These products differ in the ways consumers buy them and, therefore, in how they are marketed (see • Table 8.1).

Convenience products are consumer products and services that customers usually buy frequently, immediately, and with a minimum of comparison and buying effort. Examples include laundry detergent, candy, magazines, and fast food. Convenience products are usually low priced, and marketers place them in many locations to make them readily available when customers need them.

Shopping products are less frequently purchased consumer products and services that customers compare carefully on suitability, quality, price, and style. When buying shopping products and services, consumers spend much time and effort in gathering information and making comparisons. Examples include furniture, clothing, used cars, major appliances, and hotel and airline services. Shopping products marketers usually distribute their products through fewer outlets but provide deeper sales support to help customers in their comparison efforts.

Specialty products are consumer products and services with unique characteristics or brand identification for which a significant group of buyers is willing to make a special purchase effort. Examples include specific brands of cars, high-priced photographic equipment, designer clothes, and the services of medical or legal specialists. A Lamborghini automobile, for example, is a specialty product because buyers are usually willing to travel great distances to buy one. Buyers normally do not compare specialty products. They invest only the time needed to reach dealers carrying the wanted products.

Unsought products are consumer products that the consumer either does not know about or knows about but does not normally think of buying. Most major new innovations are unsought until the consumer becomes aware of them through advertising. Classic examples of known but unsought products and services are life insurance, preplanned funeral services, and blood donations to the Red Cross. By their very nature, unsought products require a lot of advertising, personal selling, and other marketing efforts.

Augmented Product

Augmented product

Aftersale service

Delivery and credit /

Actual product

Brand name

Features

Quality level

Design

Packaging

Product support

Warranty

At the most basic level, the company asks, "What is the customer really buying?" For example, people who buy a BlackBerry are buying more than a wireless communications device. They are buying freedom and on-the-go connectivity. Each additional product level helps to build this core value.

• table i 8,1 Marketing Considerations for Consumer Products

Continue reading here: Individual Product and Service Decisions

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Readers' Questions

  • pansy
    What are the three categories of consumer products and describe each?
    5 months ago
  • The three categories of consumer products are convenience products, shopping products, and specialty products.
    1. Convenience products: These are everyday items that consumers purchase frequently and with minimal effort. They are low-priced, widely available, and require little comparison or decision-making. Examples include snacks, toiletries, and household cleaning products. Convenience products are usually widely distributed in many retail outlets, and brand loyalty is not a major factor influencing consumer purchases.
    2. Shopping products: Unlike convenience products, shopping products are purchased less frequently and require more research and comparison before making a purchase decision. Consumers tend to invest more time, effort, and money into these purchases. Shopping products are often higher priced, and brands play a significant role in the decision-making process. Examples include electronic gadgets, furniture, and clothing. Consumers may compare prices, features, and quality of different brands before making a purchase.
    3. Specialty products: These are unique or specific products that possess distinctive characteristics or brand associations. Specialty products tend to be higher priced and are typically purchased infrequently, reflecting consumers' strong preferences and brand loyalty. Consumers are willing to go to great lengths to find and purchase these products as they consider them highly valuable or superior. Examples include luxury vehicles, designer apparel, and high-end cameras. Marketing efforts for specialty products focus on building brand reputation and loyalty rather than price or convenience.
    • riitta
      What is the purpose and method of doing product classification?
      1 year ago
    • Product classification is a system where products are organized into categories based on their characteristics. The purpose of product classification is to group similar items together in order to make it easier for customers to shop and find the items they are looking for. This also helps businesses organize their inventory and determine what items are selling well. The method of product classification can vary, but typically involves grouping items according to their purpose, such as tools, kitchenware, and clothing, or by the type and size of the item, such as small, medium, and large. Additionally, other methods may be used, such as categorizing items by color, material, or manufacturer.
      • glen
        Which of the following is true of an unsought product?
        1 year ago
      • An unsought product is a type of product that consumers don't usually think of buying or have no immediate need for. This type of product requires considerable effort through marketing and advertising to create awareness and generate demand.
        • alem
          Which of the following classifications of products apply to business goods and services?
          1 year ago
          1. Capital goods
          2. Consumer goods
          3. Industrial goods
          4. Services
          • jukka-pekk
            Are consumer products and services that customers usually buy frequently?
            1 year ago
          • Consumer products and services that customers usually buy frequently include: - Groceries - Fast food - Gasoline - Home maintenance products - Clothing - Electronics - Online content and services (streaming services, subscription services, etc.) - Home Improvement (paint, tools, etc.) - Personal Care/Beauty Products - Entertainment (movies, video games, etc.) - Transportation (buses, taxis, Uber/Lyft, etc.) - Restaurants/takeout - Telecommunications (internet, cable, phone, etc.) - Automotive (tires, automotive services, etc.)
            • liliana
              What are the two broad classifications of products?
              1 year ago
              1. Consumer products and
              2. Business products.
              • jole palermo
                What is mcmurry & arnold’s classification of service selling?
                1 year ago
              • McMurry and Arnold's classification of service selling consists of three types of services: complex problem solving, routine service, and custom service. Complex problem solving services involve clients and companies working together to identify and solve a problem or need. Routine services are typical services that businesses offer, such as haircuts or car washes. Finally, custom services involve companies taking the initiative to create a product or service tailored to an individual customer’s needs.
                • dennis
                  Does a class count as a product or service?
                  1 year ago
                • A class would generally not be considered a product or service. However, in certain cases, a class could be considered a service if it is a service-oriented learning opportunity.
                  • abraham
                    How to define a product level or service categorization?
                    1 year ago
                  • Product level or service categorization is the process of grouping products and services into different categories in order to facilitate marketing, purchasing, and other activities. This categorization process helps to organize and standardize product information, making it easier for customers to make informed decisions when selecting products and services. Typically, product and service categories may be organized by function, purpose, or target market.
                    • Mantissa
                      What are product/service of beaty salon wuth reference to the classification of product/service?
                      1 year ago
                    • The products and services offered by a beauty salon can be classified into the following categories:
                      1. Hair Services: This includes haircuts, hair styling, hair coloring, perms, hair treatments, and hair extensions.
                      2. Nail Services: This includes manicures, pedicures, nail art, nail extensions, and nail care treatments.
                      3. Skin Care Services: This includes facials, body treatments, skincare consultations, exfoliation treatments, and acne treatments.
                      4. Waxing and Hair Removal Services: This includes waxing, threading, electrolysis, and laser hair removal.
                      5. Makeup Services: This includes bridal makeup, special occasion makeup, makeup application lessons, and professional makeup services for events.
                      6. Massages and Body Treatments: This includes Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and body wraps.
                      7. Spa Packages: These are bundles of services that can include various combinations of the above-mentioned services, often with added relaxation elements like steam rooms, saunas, or spa baths.
                      8. Retail Products: Beauty salons often sell beauty and grooming products such as hair care products, skincare products, nail polishes, makeup, and beauty tools.
                      9. These are some of the main product/services offered by beauty salons. However, it's important to note that the range of services may vary depending on the specific salon and its expertise.
                      • Nibs
                        What is the product and the classification of the product and services?
                        1 year ago
                      • The product is a good or service that is created and sold to customers. The classification of a product or service depends on the type of product or service offered. Common categories of products and services include consumer goods, industrial products and services, technology products, financial services, and healthcare services.
                        • Milla
                          What are products and service classifications?
                          1 year ago
                        • Products and service classifications refer to the systematic categorization of goods and services based on their similarities and characteristics. Classifying products and services helps in identifying their nature, purpose, and target market, facilitating marketing, sales, and strategic planning. Some common product and service classifications include:
                          1. Consumer goods: These are products purchased by individuals for personal use. They include durable goods (e.g., appliances, electronics), non-durable goods (e.g., food, clothes), and services (e.g., haircuts, fitness memberships).
                          2. Industrial goods: These are products used in the production of other goods or services. They are typically purchased by businesses, manufacturers, or institutions. Examples include machinery, raw materials, and supplies.
                          3. Convenience goods: These are everyday, inexpensive items that consumers frequently purchase without much effort or thought, such as snacks, toiletries, and household supplies.
                          4. Specialty goods: These are unique, high-priced products that cater to specific consumer preferences or needs. Examples include luxury items, designer clothing, and high-end technology products.
                          5. Unbranded goods: These are products without a specific brand name or identity. They are usually generic and offer lower prices compared to branded counterparts. Examples include generic medications or store-brand products.
                          6. Branded goods: These are products associated with a well-known brand or company. Branding creates differentiation and perceived value, which often justifies premium pricing. Examples include Nike shoes, Apple computers, and Coca-Cola beverages.
                          7. Core products: These are the basic and essential benefits or functions that products or services offer to customers. For example, the core product of a smartphone is communication.
                          8. Augmented products: These are additional features or services that complement the core product and provide added value to customers. It could include warranties, after-sales support, or extra functionalities.
                          9. Intangible services: Unlike physical products, services are intangible and involve the performance of actions or tasks to create value. Examples include healthcare, consulting, transportation, and banking.
                          10. Business-to-business (B2B) services: These are services specifically designed for businesses and organizations, such as accounting, legal, IT support, or advertising services.
                          11. These are just a few examples of how products and services can be classified. The classification of products and services may vary depending on various factors, including industry, targeted market segment, and consumer behavior.
                          • steffen
                            What are products and service classification?
                            1 year ago
                          • Products and services can be classified according to a variety of criteria. Some of the common classifications include:
                            1. By type: Goods, services, and intangible items
                            2. By use: Consumer products and industrial products
                            3. By industry: Agriculture, manufacturing, and retail
                            4. By pricing: Luxury items, mid-range items, and budget items
                            5. By product characteristics: Durability, complexity, and value-added features
                            6. By distribution channel: Online, in-store, and through intermediaries
                            • Genet Abdullah
                              What are the product and service classifications ?
                              1 year ago
                            • Product classifications: 1. Durable goods 2. Nondurable goods 3. Consumer goods 4. Industrial goods 5. Raw materials / components Service classifications:
                              1. Professional services
                              2. Personal services
                              3. Business services
                              4. Financial services
                              5. Technical services
                              6. Information services
                              • danyl
                                What is a product core actual augmented?
                                1 year ago
                              • A product core is the essential parts of a product, such as the features, functions, and design. An actual product is a physical or digital product that has been developed and is available for sale or use. An augmented product is an enhanced version of the core product that adds additional features, benefits, and services.