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16.2.2: Types of market

  • Page ID
    60399
    • John Burnett
    • Global Text Project
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    Now that we have defined markets in a general sense, it is useful to discuss the characteristics of the primary types of markets: (1) consumer markets, (2) industrial markers, (3) institutional markets, and (4) reseller markets. It should be noted that these categories are not always clear-cut. In some industries, a business may be in a different category altogether or may even encompass multiple categories. It is also possible that a product may be sold in all four markets. Consequently, it is important to know as much as possible about how these markets differ so that appropriate marketing activities can be developed.

    Consumer markets

    When we talk about consumer markets, we are including those individuals and households who buy and consume goods and services for their own personal use. They are not interested in reselling the product or setting themselves up as a manufacturer. Considering the thousands of new products, services, and ideas being introduced each day and the increased capability of consumers to afford these products, the size, complexity, and future growth potential of the consumer market is staggering. The next chapter, “Marketing research: an aid to decision making”, touches on many of these issues.

    Industrial markets

    The industrial market consists of organizations and the people who work for them, those who buy products or services for use in their own businesses or to make other products. For example, a steel mill might purchase computer software, pencils, and flooring as part of the operation and maintenance of their business. Likewise, a refrigerator manufacturer might purchase sheets of steel, wiring, shelving, and so forth, as part of its final product.2 These purchases occur in the industrial market.

    There is substantial evidence that industrial markets function differently than do consumer markets and that the buying process in particular is different.

    Institutional markets

    Another important market sector is made up of various types of profit and nonprofit institutions, such as hospitals, schools, churches, and government agencies. Institutional markets differ from typical businesses in that they are not motivated primarily by profits or market share. Rather, institutions tend to satisfy somewhat esoteric, often intangible, needs. Also, whatever profits exist after all expenses are paid are normally put back into the institution. Because institutions operate under different restrictions and employ different goals, marketers must use different strategies to be successful.

    Reseller markets

    All intermediaries that buy finished or semi-finished products and resell them for profit are part of the reseller market. This market includes approximately 383,000 wholesalers and 1,300,000 retailers that operate in the US. With the exception of products obtained directly from the producer, all products are sold through resellers. Since resellers operate under unique business characteristics, they must be approached carefully. Producers are always cognizant of the fact that successful marketing to resellers is just as important as successful marketing to consumers.

    clipboard_e2f96e61054c73d43a796024f9bc20c3e.pngAD 1: The Olympus camera is part of the consumer market.


    This page titled 16.2.2: Types of market is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by John Burnett (Global Text Project) .

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