Consumer goods (final goods) are those sold to consumers for their use or enjoyment, and are the end result of manufacturing and production.
Consumer goods are manufactured or produced to satisfy consumer demands and are the last stage in the supply chain when it reaches the retail level, where it is offered for direct sale to consumers.
While the industry has been in existence for centuries, at one time it took days or longer for an item to be produced, as consumer goods were handmade. Today, however, most consumer goods are manufactured quickly and efficiently.
They can be classified as durable, nondurable, or service goods. Durable goods are those designed to last more than three years, such as home appliances, furniture, and most forms of sports equipment, although some authorities classify goods with life spans of as little as a year as durable. Nondurable goods, like soda and laundry detergent, are intended to be consumed in less than three years, while intangible consumer goods, such as haircuts and air travel, are known as service goods.
Consumer goods are marketed according to the way in which the consumer views and uses the product.
Convenience goods are those that are the most regularly consumed and available for purchase. Generally, these are nondurable, low-priced goods sold by wholesalers and retailers. Examples include milk, coffee, soda, and potato chips.
Shopping goods are more durable and, therefore, purchased less often. Most shopping goods cost more than convenience goods. Furniture, television sets, and refrigerators are in this category.
Specialty consumer goods, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, and fine art, are often considered luxury purchases.
Unsought consumer goods are those that are readily available but not often sought by consumers. Although they may serve a useful purpose, consumers usually have to be nudged to make a purchase. Pre-paid funeral expenses and life insurance are examples of unsought consumer goods.
As the name suggests, fast-moving consumer goods are those that sell quickly at a relatively low cost. Also known as consumer packaged goods, these have a short shelf life, either because they are perishable (baked goods, dairy products, fruit, meat, vegetables) or because of high consumer demand (beer, candy, gum, soft drinks). Fast-moving consumer goods are purchased often, consumed quickly, and sold in large quantities.
The top twenty-five consumer goods companies, as of 2022, are Nestle, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, JBS, Unilever, Anheuser-Busch, Tyson Foods, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Imperial Brands, Coca-Cola, 3M, Haier Smart Home Company, L’Oréal, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Mondelez International, WH Group, Heineken, Kraft Heinz, Altria, Adidas, and Danone.
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Recommended Resources
American Merchandise Liquidators
Founded in 1992, AML is a US-based brick-and-mortar company, and a wholesale supplier of customer returns, closeouts, and overstock merchandise from department stores, manufacturers, and wholesalers. The company offers many varieties of general merchandise and clothing in truckload and pallet quantities at below-wholesale prices. Available products and services are listed by deals, truckloads, pallets, lots, and excess inventory. Payment options and contacts are posted.
https://www.amlinc.com/
Short for "American Way," Amway is a US-based multi-level marketing company that sells healthy, beauty, and home care products. Founded in 1959, Amway is the largest MLM company in the world, by revenue, conducting business through several affiliated companies in more than a hundred countries and territories. Its products may be viewed and purchased online, sorted by product type or brand. Information about creating an affiliate company is presented, and an overview of the company is included.
https://www.amway.com/
Bikudo is a business-to-business marketplace connecting buyers and sellers around the world. Founded in 2005, Bikudo offers a single platform to carry out and assist trading for buyers and suppliers. Newly listed products and new stores are highlighted on the index page, while customers can also browse product categories. A form is available for customers to tell suppliers what they need, as well. Those interested in selling products through Bikudo may register for an account.
https://www.bikudo.com/
Founded in 2004, China Vision is an online wholesaler of consumer electronic goods, including tablets, smartphones, cell phone watches, wearable devices, DVD players, GPS devices, cameras, and other products, which may be browsed by product category or found through a keyword search. Wholesale products, those under $9.99, new arrivals, special offers, drop-shipping, and brands are highlighted in separate areas. Customer reviews, service agreements, and product warranty policies are posted.
https://www.chinavasion.com/
Founded in 1968, the American manufacturer of skincare, cosmetics, toiletries, and fragrances, usually sold in high-end department stores, is a subsidiary of the Estée Lauder Companies. Available online, its products are sorted into the following categories: Skincare, Makeup, Fragrance, Holiday Sets, and Bestellers, with information on each. Other resources include special offers, and skincare tips, consultant advice, and expert-led classes, and how-to videos.
https://www.clinique.com/
CGT is designed to inform, empower, and connect industry-leading consumer goods executives who seek transformational business growth through innovative technology. Its executive council and leadership are introduced, an editorial calendar, media planner, and editorial standards are featured, and it includes informational articles on sales and marketing, supply chains, data analytics, IT integration, research and reports, and upcoming events. Advertising opportunities are posted.
https://consumergoods.com/
Created in 1999, the Cotswolds delivered products to what was then a niche market of local delis and farm shops, becoming a UK-certified B Corporation in 2015, and now represents more than 4,000 products, and more than 400 brands, which are highlighted here. Its products are listed on its site, which includes special offers, an online catalog in PDF format, and an alphabetical list of its brands. Retailers may be found online, and its policies for becoming a supplier are included.
https://www.cotswold-fayre.co.uk/
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Duracell is a US manufacturer of alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables. Its products include its recognizable Coppertop AA and AAA alkaline batteries, Duracell Optimum batteries, Lithium Coin batteries, Duracell portable power stations, hearing aid batteries, and others, which are featured here, along with its innovations, global consumer sales, product technical data sheets, and a link to its Procell, its professional brand.
https://www.duracell.com/
Started as a business-to-business (B2B) site in 1996, EC Plaza provides online and offline service to more than a million members, operating B2B, electric data interchange, (EDI), trade consulting, and offline trade-related services for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs). Featuring experts in a variety of fields of overseas trade marketing, EC Plaza is connected with a global agency network. Offering resources for buyers and sellers, several categories of products are available.
https://www.ecplaza.net/
Under the company name of Energizer Holdings, Energizer is a US manufacturer of batteries, producing batteries under the Energizer, Ray-O-Vac, Varta, and Eveready brands. Founded as the American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company in 1896, the company has its foundation in the Eveready Battery Company, which changed the name of its Eveready Alkaline Power Cell to Energizer in 1980. The company history, power products, lighting products, and promotions are featured.
https://www.energizer.com/
Billing itself as the first choice for church suits, church dresses, and church hats, the business specializes in fashion products for ladies and men, including men’s suits, women’s dresses, and other apparel, which may be viewed and purchased online. A wholesale catalog is presented, and special offers and products for sale are highlighted. Based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, its address is given, along with contacts, size charts, and an overview of its drop-shipping plan and online signup.
https://firstsuit.com/
With its origins as the National Electric Lamp Company in 1885, which became National Electric Light Association, GE Lighting was separated from General Electric in 1911 as a result of an antitrust investigation, GE Lighting is currently a subsidiary of Savant Systems. Its lighting and smart home products are highlighted, along with its light fixtures and accent lighting products, and product safety information, career opportunities, and contacts are included.
https://www.gelighting.com/
In business for more than eighty years, Hayward is a manufacturer of pool equipment worldwide, providing advanced pumps, filters, heaters, heat pumps, automatic pool cleaners, lighting, controls, and salt chlorine generators. Its divisions include Hayward Pool Products, Hayward Commercial Aquatics, and Hayward Flow Control Systems, each of which is featured here. Its in-ground, above-ground, and commercial pool products are highlighted, along with warranty information.
https://www.hayward-pool.com/
Founded in 1979, Micro-Games America Entertainment (MGA) manufactures children's toys and entertainment products. Each of its current brands is featured here, including links to separate brand websites, a list of retail stores carrying the brand, awards, and press information. Buyers can register the product online, find manuals, product safety information, and recall information. Company contacts, customer support, and vendor policies are also available.
https://www.mgae.com/
Based in Southern California, the business buys unused, unexpired, and undamaged diabetic test strips and resells them to those who need them, many of whom are either uninsured or underinsured and unable to afford inflated retail costs. Eligible strips will be factory-sealed, not damaged, and have at least 10 months left before the expiration date, while those with 7-9 months will payout half of current prices. Price lists, instructions, and testimonials are posted.
https://morecashforteststrips.com/
Generally known simply as Purina, the company's roots are in the Robinson-Danforth Commission Company in 1894, which became Ralston Purina in 1902. Nestlé Purina PetCare was formed in 2001 after Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina and merged it with its own pet food business, Friskies PetCare Company. The company specializes in producing and marketing food for dogs and cats, which are sold under a number of brands. Cat litter, dog and cat treats, and other products are also available.
https://www.purina.com/
Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, Oakley is an autonomous subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica. The company designs, develops, and manufactures sports performance equipment and lifestyle pieces, such as sunglasses, safety glasses, eyeglasses, sports visors, ski and snowboard goggles, watches, apparel, backpacks, shoes, optical frames, and other accessories, most of which are designed in-house. Its affiliate program, store locator, and support services are outlined.
https://www.oakley.com/
Created by Royal Manufacturers, the Royal Cook brand of cookware includes fry pans, stockpots, woks, griddles, cookware sets, steamer pots, pressure cookers, tea kettles, barbecue grills, and meat and corn grinders, while the company also carries UL-approved small electric kitchen appliances, like burners, rice cookers, and citrus juicers. Royal manufactures and distributes its products throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin countries.
http://www.royalcook.com/
Headquartered in South Birmingham, Alabama, the women's boutique includes Soca Clothing and Soca Girls, both in Homewood, Alabama, and also sells its products online. Its clothing and accessory line is featured online, with photographs, descriptions, color and size options. Highlighted are its Bella Dahl Shop and Rush Collection, which may also be purchased online. Its locations, employment opportunities, contacts, and a blog are included. Job applications may be submitted online.
https://socaclothing.com/
The home essentials company features a legacy of brands, including Kwikset, Baldwin, FURminator, DreamBone, Russell Hobbs, National Hardware, Pfister, Tetra, GloFish, Remington, Cutter, and Spectracide, and others, which are featured here, along with an investor overview, and information about career opportunities on the Spectrum team, its compensation and benefits package, diversity policies, and locations. Product recalls are published on the site, and contacts are included.
https://www.spectrumbrands.com/
The business website connects consumers to wholesale buyers, importers and exporters, distributors, and agents from around the globe. This website also provides thousands of trade offers, buying requests, and products in a wide range of categories. The website also provides a worldwide directory of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors who are looking for buyers and importers of their products. Membership options are featured, along with advertising opportunities.
https://www.tradekey.com/
The Wools of New Zealand website offers information about its high-quality carpets made from New Zealand wool. In addition to purchasing these fine carpets, viewers of the site can also learn about carpet care and cleaning here to keep their homes in top shape. The website also has a section dedicated to carpet installation. An overview of the business, process, materials, and sustainability practices is offered, with information about the benefits of New Zealand wool.
https://www.woolsnz.com/
Certified wholesalers since 1999, the company represents millions of wholesale products from certified wholesalers and drop shippers around the country. Featured is a directory of products, information about how the program works, and contacts. Offering direct access to wholesalers, more than 16 million wholesale products, a one-time low-price, lifetime access, and a safe, secure, scam-free experience. A free preview and a promotional video are included.
https://www.worldwidebrands.com/
