offers. Product line depth is the number of product items in a product line. Firms increase the width of their
product mix to diversify risk. To generate sales and boost profits, firms spread risk across many product lines
rather than depend on only one or two. Firms also widen their product mix to capitalize on established
reputations. Firms increase the depth of their product lines to attract buyers with different preferences, to
increase sales and profits by further segmenting the market, to capitalize on economies of scale in production
and marketing, and to even out seasonal sales patterns.
Answers will vary. Convenience products are relatively inexpensive items that require little shopping effort.
Convenience products are bought regularly, usually without significant planning. Convenience products may
include candy, soft drinks, aspirin, small hardware items, dry cleaning, car wash services, and so
on.Shopping products are usually more expensive than convenience products and are found in fewer stores.
Consumers spend some effort comparing brands and stores. Shopping products may include washers, dryers,
refrigerators, televisions, furniture, clothing, housing, choice of university, and so on.Specialty products are
those exclusive items for which consumers are willing to search extensively. Consumers are extremely
reluctant to accept substitutes for specialty products. Brand names and service quality are important. Fine
watches, luxury cars, expensive stereo equipment, gourmet restaurants, and specialized medical services
could all be considered specialty products.Unsought products are those that the buyer does not know about or
does not actively seek to buy. These products include insurance, burial plots, and other similar items.