Concept:
In marketing, a product is not just a physical item but a combination of benefits offered to customers. It is generally divided into different components to better understand its value.
Answer:
The three essential components of a product are:
- Core Product: This represents the basic benefit or need that the customer wants to satisfy. For example, the core benefit of a car is transportation.
- Actual Product: This includes the physical features of the product such as design, quality, brand name, packaging, and styling. It is what the customer actually purchases.
- Augmented Product: This consists of additional services and benefits such as warranty, after-sales service, installation, and customer support that enhance the product’s value.
These components together create a complete product experience for the customer.