Consumer goods are goods that are purchased by the end-user
for personal consumption. The classification of consumer goods is important in
the field of marketing and is based on the customer's buying behavior, the
frequency of purchase and the level of customer involvement.
- Convenience
goods: Convenience goods are the goods that are easily available and are
purchased frequently. They require low involvement of the customer and are
usually purchased for immediate consumption. Examples of convenience goods
are bread, soft drinks, etc.
- Shopping
goods: Shopping goods are the goods that require more effort from the
customer in terms of time, money, and effort. The customer is more
involved in the buying process and compares different products before
making a purchase. Examples of shopping goods are clothes, appliances,
etc.
- Specialty
goods: Specialty goods are the goods that are unique and are not easily
available. The customer is highly involved in the buying process and is
willing to pay a premium price for the product. Examples of specialty
goods are luxury goods, designer clothes, etc.
- Unsought
goods: Unsought goods are the goods that the customer may not know about
or may not be actively searching for. They are usually purchased in
response to an advertisement or as a result of some other marketing
effort. Examples of unsought goods are life insurance, funeral services,
etc.
- Industrial
or Business goods: Industrial or business goods are goods that are used in
the production of other goods and services. They are not intended for personal
consumption. Examples of industrial or business goods are machinery, raw
materials, etc.
In conclusion, the classification of consumer goods is
important for companies to understand their target market, customer behavior,
and marketing strategies. This information can be used to create effective
marketing campaigns and increase the sales of the company's products.