Consumer products can be classified in different types on the basis of nature, durability, necessity, buyers' buying behavior etc.
Classification Of Consumer Goods According To The Nature Of Product
1. Perishable Consumer Goods
Perishable goods cannot be kept stored for long time. Such goods remains usable for very short time between production and consumption. A marketer uses very little time and controlled level for selling perishable goods. Green vegetables, fish, meat, milk etc. are the examples of perishable goods.
2. Non-durable Consumer Goods
Compared to perishable goods, non-durable goods have longer durability. But if they are kept for long time, their quality declines. As such goods have short marketing life span, the buyers consume within short time. Soap, cigarette, rice, shampoo, bottled or canned food, drinks etc. are the examples of non-durable consumer goods.
3. Durable Consumer Goods
The goods, which last long or can be used for years are called durable goods. Consumers get benefit from such goods for many years. Motorcycle, car, television, refrigerator etc. are the examples of durable consumer goods.
Classification Of Consumer Goods According To consumers' Buying Motive
1. Necessity Products
The main motive of buying necessity products is to fulfill consumers' physiological (eating, wearing, living), security and social needs. Such products are basic needs. They are related with basic benefits and utility. Foodstuffs, clothes, education, medicines, furniture, entertainment etc. are the examples of necessity products.
2. Luxury Products
Consumers buy luxury products to fulfill the wants and needs related with their status, ego, dignity, and self-respect. Dignity, self-respect and ego motives affect buying of luxury products. Costly cars, ornaments, French perfumes, foreign visit programs etc. are the examples of luxury products.
Classification Of Consumer Goods According To The Involvement Of Consumer
1. High-involvement Products
The involvement of consumer remains more in information, inquiry, study, and evaluation stages of buying process of high involvement products. If the product is very costly, risky, infrequently buying and self-expressive; consumers' involvement remains high. For buying high involvement products, the consumer should know about the quality, features, utility, and benefits of such products. Costly cars, computers and laptops, land and houses etc. are the examples of high involvement products.
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2. Low Involvement Products
The consumers can easily buy low involvement products without proper plan, information, any inquiry, and knowledge about the features, quality, utility etc. of the product. Low involvement products are less costly, less risky and needed to buy again and again. They are not self expressive. Consumers become knowledgeable about such products. If consumers get knowledge of such products, they become confident about their quality, features, utility, and durability of the products of that brand. They also become knowledgeable about different brand products. They buy any brand products without comparing them. Soap, toothpaste, coffee, tea etc. are the examples of low involvement products.