Srinivas University 2nd Semester, BBA
50
Marketing Management
Philip Kotler: A product is anything that can be offered to a market for attention,
acquisition, use or consumption that might satisfy a want or a need.
Ex-TV, washing machine, Vacation trip package, hotel stay etc.
Definition: William J. Stanton defined the term 'product' as a set of tangible and intangible
attributes including packaging, colour, price, manufacturer's prestige, retailer's prestige
and manufacturer's and retailer's services which buyer may accept as offering
satisfaction of wants or needs.
According to W. Alderson, a product is a bundle of utilities conskting of various product
features and accompanying services.
Essential Attributes of a Product
Based on the above definitions, we can list out the essential characteristics of a product
as follows:
1) Tangible or Intangible: It may be capable of being touched, seen and presence felt. For
example, products like a comb, refrigerator and, motor cycle are tangible. At the same
time, a product need not necessarily be tangible. It can be intangible but capable of
providing a service. For instance, repairing, hair-dressing, insurance, etc., are intangible
but provide satisfaction to the customers.
2) Associated Attributes: A product consists of various product features and accompanying
services. Thus, a product is comprised of attributes including colour, package, brand
name, accessories, installation, instructions to use, manufacturer's prestige, retailer's
prestige, after sale service, etc. These attributes differentiate the products from each other.
3. Exchange Value: A product must be capable of being exchanged between a buyer and a
seller at a mutually acceptable cost.
4. Satisfaction: It should be capable of providing satisfaction to the buyer, both real and
psychological. As far as the seller is concerned, it should provide the much-needed
business profit.
3.3-Product mix decision strategies:
PRODUCT MIX AND PRODUCT LINE STRATEGIES:
Product mix of a seller, while giving expression to its current position, is also an
indicator of the future. Thus, product mix is not a static position but a highly dynamic
Concept: A company may withdraw a product from its existing mix, if the product is
not contributing to the profitability and growth of the company. Similarly, a new
product may also be added to cash on some attractive opportunity that comes its way.
Thus, the companies always attempt to maintain an optimal product mix with a view to
maintain a balance between current profitability, and future growth and stability. For