CONVENIENCE PRODUCTS: FEATURES AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The convenience products are a type of commodity that is easily accessible to the consumer and do not require much comparison between brands. In turn, these types of goods can be classified into current, emergency and impulse goods.

Consumer goods are those that the final consumer acquires directly for their use, such as clothes, cars, magazines, etc. These goods are classified into four categories: convenience, comparison, specialty, and unsought products.

As a result of the demand for these products, convenience stores have emerged. Source: pixabay.com

Consumer products are the most commercialized, since they are bought quickly in the supply that best suits the customer in terms of proximity and preferences. Generally, the use of these products is done immediately, since they are necessary to meet the need instantly.

There tend to be many manufacturers of this type of element thanks to the great utility in operations that convenience products generate, regardless of the industry in which they are developed.

Usually, priority is given to volume in sales with low prices without having a high profit per unit, but a high profit based on all units sold.

On the other hand, the massive consumption of this type of products has generated the appearance of stores specialized in the trade of these goods and that are very easy to reach for consumers. In recent years these establishments have represented strong competition for traditional businesses.

Most people are usually very familiar with these products, as they are massively acquired and very regularly on every trip to the supermarket, every time a social gathering occurs and they want to bring something to share, when a piece of furniture at home is damaged. and materials are required to patch it up, among other scenarios.

characteristics

Frequent consumption

Convenience products are generally frequently consumed, because they are used regularly in everyday life. Therefore, the consumer has deep knowledge about it and does not worry excessively about brands or competition.

As convenience products are often used by the consumer for basic and non-specialized issues (such as toothpaste), manufacturers of these types of goods have to make great efforts in advertising in order to attract consumers and earn your preference.

Easy access

Convenience products do not represent a great effort - neither economic nor search - for the consumer.

This type of goods is quickly available to people, since the distribution chain is wide and can be obtained both in large market chains and in smaller retail establishments, such as wineries.

Low unit utility

As these products are usually sold at relatively cheap prices, they do not generate a high unit profit, but this result is offset by the large number of units that are usually sold.

Little involvement

The consumer chooses which product to buy based simply on convenience factors - such as the closest place where they can get the product - without looking at brand or price. Therefore, these goods do not require a high involvement with the client.

Involvement can be understood as the quality and quantity of information that a consumer requires to make decisions about which of the options to choose among the available products.

In this way, convenience products are of little involvement in relation to their consumers due to their low prices and similar characteristics.

Classification

Convenience products, in addition to being a subdivision of consumer goods, are also divided into three categories determined by the use that the consumer gives them:

Current goods

They are those products that are purchased most frequently, and are generally to be consumed daily.

Emergency goods

Its acquisition depends on whether there is an unexpected condition that requires the purchase of a specific product.

Your purchase is not usually made in advance anticipating situations that warrant it, but just at the moment in which the purchase of the product is really required.

Impulse goods

They are products whose consumption is not due to emergencies but is not done daily either.

These goods are consumed for the simple taste and whim of consumers, and often represent momentary temptations, such as a craving for chocolate.

Convenience stores

Faced with the massive consumption of convenience goods, the so-called convenience stores arose.

These establishments are nothing more than stores dedicated to providing different convenience goods in one place. They are usually located in strategic places such as gas stations, or they are extensive chains with many stores throughout a territory, such as Oxxo, Walmart, Carrefour and 7 Eleven, among others.

They are generally open for longer hours than conventional stores such as supermarkets and warehouses, in order to attract customers and provide attention to any need they may present.

However, the customer service for approximately 18 hours a day represents extra costs for these establishments, which is reflected in a slight increase in the prices of the products.

Examples

Currents

Convenience products are present daily; for example, when you buy bread to make sandwiches, milk to consume with cereals, fast food, etc.

The examples mentioned pertain specifically to the common convenience products division. Other of these goods can be laundry detergents, household cleaning products, newspapers, fruits and duct tape, among others.

Of emergency

As for emergency goods, umbrellas, batteries, flashlights, light bulbs, candles and spare parts for cars, among others, stand out.

These products are only acquired when a situation that warrants their use occurs; for example, when the use of a flashlight is required, the batteries are already depleted.

Impulse

Impulse products tend to be consumed a little less regularly than ordinary goods.

They are usually available both in large establishments and in small still lifes such as kiosks, which are generally intended solely for the commercialization of this type of goods. Some impulse goods are candy, cookies, magazines, ice cream, and accessories, among others.

References

1. Vera, J. (2010). Differences in the involvement profile between convenience products and comparison products. Retrieved on March 9 from Scielo: scielo.org
2. Alcocer, O., Campos, J. (2014). The convenience store format as a means of proximity to services and supply in urban areas. Retrieved on March 9 from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico: uaemex.mx
3. Silipigni, Lynn. (2016). Is anything more important than convenience? Retrieved March 9 from Online Computer Library Center: oclc.org
4. Cabrera, O. (2018). Redefining convenience: consumer need. Retrieved on March 9 from La República: larepublica.co
5. (sf) Product analysis. Retrieved on March 9 from the Inter-American University for Development: unid.edu.mx