Classification of goods

Content

• Classification of Goods
• Classification in Trade Activities
• Classification of Goods in Marketing
• Methods of Classifying Goods

Classification of Goods

The classification of goods is the process of dividing goods into specific groups, which significantly simplifies their accounting and allows for the development of more effective marketing strategies. This classification system is also necessary to comply with legal norms, as certain categories of goods require mandatory certification. There are various types of classification of goods used in both trade activities and for marketing purposes.

In the trade sector, the classification of goods assists in accounting, obtaining necessary certificates, and complying with legislative requirements. Within marketing, such classification allows for more precise adjustments to advertising strategies based on the characteristics of each category of goods. It is important to note that these types of classifications may overlap, as a marketing strategy can also be based on the trade classification of goods.

Classification in Trade Activities

The classification of goods in trade activities is an important tool that helps:

• Systematize the assortment for accounting, supply of goods, and storage placement;
• Establish quality standards and certify products;
• Develop requirements for packaging, storage, and transportation of goods.

There are several types of classification of goods, but we will highlight three main ones:

Trade Classification

This classification divides goods into two main categories: food and non-food. Each of these groups has subcategories. For example, food goods may include bakery products, fruits and vegetables, and meat and sausage products, while non-food goods can be divided into household chemicals, building materials, and other groups. This classification is clearly visible in hypermarkets, where there are separate departments for each category of goods.

Economic-Statistical Classification

In this case, each product is assigned a unique numerical code and a group name based on the All-Russian Classifier of Products by Types of Economic Activity (OKPD2). This allows for product certification and accounting.

Foreign Economic Classification

This classification is built on the same principle as the economic-statistical classification, however, goods receive not the OKPD2 code, but the commodity nomenclature code of foreign economic activity (TN VED). This code determines the duty rate as well as the rules and restrictions for the import and export of goods.

Classification of Goods in Marketing

Different categories of goods are purchased differently, so the classification of goods helps develop effective promotion strategies and create advertising materials, as well as better predict consumer behavior. This is especially relevant in cases where the assortment includes a variety of goods from different categories. It is important to note that there are no strict rules in marketing classification, and methods that best suit specific goals can be used.

Methods of Classifying Goods

Let's consider how goods can be classified using the example of a hypermarket of home goods:

By Material Tangibility

Goods are divided into items and services.

• Items are all goods displayed on the shelves of the hypermarket;
• Services are accompanying services, such as cutting, kitchen design, delivery, and assembly.

By Number of Satisfied Consumers

Goods can be:

• Mass consumption;
• For a target group;
• Exclusive goods.

By Importance for Consumption

Goods are divided into the following categories:

• Basic - goods that people come to stores for;
• Additional - purchased together with the basic items;
• Accessories - optional complementary goods;
• Consumables - consumed during the use of the main product;
• Spare parts - items that help repair the product.

By Purpose

Goods are divided into consumer and industrial, which in turn are subdivided into:

• Materials and components;
• Capital assets;
• Auxiliary goods.

By Origin

There are goods:

• Of animal origin;
• Of plant origin;
• Processed;
• Mineral raw materials.