1) A product is defined as an idea, physical good, service, or combination thereof that satisfies individual or business needs.
2) There is a continuum between goods and services, with goods being tangible and standardized and services being intangible, perishable, inseparable, and variable.
3) Products can be differentiated based on their attributes and how they are perceived relative to competitors' offerings.
2. Irwin/McGraw-Hill & Dr. Chen8-2
The Good/Services Continuum
Target
Market
Promotion PricePlaceProduct
Product idea Brand Package Warranty
None, limited
full, extendedPhysical
good/services
Features
Benefits
Quality level
Accessories
Installation
Instruction
Product line
Type of Brand:
Individual or
family
Manufacturer or
dealer
Protection
Promotion
Enhancement
3. Irwin/McGraw-Hill & Dr. Chen8-3
What Is a Product?
Product:
An idea, a physical entity (a good), a
service, or any combination of the three
that is an element of exchange to satisfy
individual or business objectives .
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Types of Products
Goods:
Physical products
with form and
substance
Services:
Non-physical products
usually involving
performance
Consumer Products:
Those used by
consumers for their
own use and
satisfaction.
Business Products:
Those used in the
running of a business
or in the manufacture
of products for resale.
5. Irwin/McGraw-Hill & Dr. Chen8-5
The Good/Services Continuum
Paper
Truck
Production
equipment
Auto repair
Uniform rental
Restaurant
Healthcare
Haircut
Accounting
Goods Goods
(Intangible,
Perishable,
Inseparable, and
Variable in quality)
(Tangible,
Storable,
Separable, and
Standardized in quality)
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Canned
foods
Ready-
made
clothes
Auto-
mobiles
Carpets Rest-
aurant
meals
Repairs:
auto, house,
Air
travel
Insurance,
Consulting,
Teaching
MOSTLY GOODS MOSTLY SERVICES
The Good/Services Continuum
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Product Differentiation
Product
Differentiation:
Exists when a firm’s
offerings differ or are
perceived to differ from
those of competing firms
on any attribute, including
price.
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Goods and Services
Goods:
Physical products. Services:
Nonphysical products.
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Characteristics and Strategies for Services
Service Characteristic Service Strategy
Intangible Associate service with
something tangible
Perishable Manage demand to utilize
supply
Inseparable Capitalize advantages of
person providing service
Variable Standardize service delivery
as much as possible
11. Irwin/McGraw-Hill & Dr. Chen8-11
Product Classes
• Two broad classes
– consumer products
– business products
• Classes help in planning marketing mix needed
• Based on how the customer views the product
– how consumers think about and shop for products
– how business/organizational buyers think about
products and how they'll be used
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Consumer and Business Products
Consumer
Products:
Products that are
purchased by
consumers for their
own personal use.
Business Products:
Products purchased by a
firm or organization for its
own use.
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Types of Consumer Products
Convenience
Products
Shopping
Products
Specialty
Products
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Types of Business Products
Capital
Products
Production
Products
Operational
Products