RAW MATERIALS AND OTHERS..

Raw Materials Raw materials are products that are purchased in their raw state for the purpose of processing them into consumer or industrial goods. Examples are iron ore, crude oil, diamonds, copper, timber, wheat, and leather. Some (e.g., wheat) may be converted directly into another consumer product (cereal). Others (e.g., timber) may be converted into an intermediate product (lumber) to be resold for use in another industry (construction).
Most raw materials are graded according to quality so that there is some assurance of consistency within each grade. There is, however, little difference between offerings within a grade. Consequently, sales negotiations focus on price, delivery, and credit terms. This negotiation plus the fact that raw materials are ordinarily sold in large quantities make personal selling the principal marketing approach for these goods.

Fabricated Parts and Materials Fabricated parts are items that are purchased to be placed in the final product without further processing. Fabricated materials, on the other hand, require additional processing before being placed in the end product. Many industries, including the auto industry, rely heavily on fabricated parts. Automakers use such fabricated parts as batteries, sun roofs, windshields, and spark plugs. They also use several fabricated materials, including steel and upholstery fabric. As a matter of fact, many industries actually buy more fabricated items than raw materials.
Buyers of fabricated parts and materials have well-defined specifications for their needs. They may work closely with a company in designing the components or materials they require, or they may invite bids from several companies. In either case, in order to be in a position to get the business, personal contact must be maintained with the buyers over time. Here again, personal selling is a key component in the marketing strategy.

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

Industrial goods are products that companies purchase to make other products, which they then sell. Some are used directly in the production of the products for resale, and some are used indirectly. Unlike consumer goods, industrial goods are classified on the basis of their use rather than customer buying habits. These goods are divided into five subcategories: installations, accessory equipment, raw materials, fabricated parts and materials, and industrial supplies.
Industrial goods also carry designations related to their durability. Durable industrial goods that cost large sums of money are referred to as capital items. Nondurable industrial goods that are used up within a year are called expense items.

Installations Installations are major capital items that are typically used directly in the production of goods. Some installations, such as conveyor systems, robotics equipment, and machine tools, are designed and built for specialized situations. Other installations, such as stamping machines, large commercial ovens, and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan machines, are built to a standard design but can be modified to meet individual requirements.
The purchase of installations requires extensive research and careful decision making on the part of the buyer. Manufacturers of installations can make their availability known through advertising. However, actual sale of installations requires the technical knowledge and assistance that can best be provided by personal selling.

Accessory Equipment Goods that fall into the subcategory of accessory equipment are capital items that are less expensive and have shorter lives than installations. Examples include hand tools, computers, desk calculators, and forklifts. While some types of accessory equipment, such as hand tools, are involved directly in the production process, most are only indirectly involved.
The relatively low unit value of accessory equipment, combined with a market made up of buyers from several different types of businesses, dictates a broad marketing strategy. Sellers rely heavily on advertisements in trade publications and mailings to purchasing agents and other business buyers. When personal selling is needed, it is usually done by intermediaries, such as wholesalers.

Adhesive Labels
Adhesives and Sealants
Air Compressors
Bags
Bottles
Boxes
Cable and Wire
Electrical Products
Electrical Relays
Electrical Switches
Foam Packaging
Generators
Industrial Fasteners
Industrial Lifts
Machinery and Tools
Manufacturing Equipment
Material Handling Equipment
MetalsPackaging
Packaging Labels
Packing Supplies
Plastic BagsPlastic Boxes
Plastic Containers
PlasticsPower Supplies
PumpsStorage Shelves
Safety Supplies
Shipping Containers
Storage BinsStorage
TanksTagsToggle
SwitchesTool
BoxesUtility Carts
Valves
Workbenches

The term "industrial goods" means different things to different types of businesses. But each business has these goals in common: They need their goods and supplies now, they want the best sources and selection, and they want a great price.

Whether you need adhesives and sealants, storage bins or tool boxes and cases, the Industrial Goods channel at Business.com has the resources in tune with your thinking. Click on "pumps" here and you'll find a powerhouse selection of industry suppliers – and not a lady's shoe anywhere.

"You'll find sources for electrical products, machinery and tools, material handling equipment, utility carts and generators."

Got power supply problems? The Industrial Goods Channel can help you avoid downtime with power generators, portable generators and electric generators of all types and sizes so your business always has the juice it needs. And you'll also find:

1. Packaging and containers of every character, including boxes, foam packaging, storage tanks and large shipping containers.
   
2. Places to stack your stuff, including racks and shelving as well as material handling equipment to move it around.

Heavy lifting help and safety solutions, too
Whether for maintenance and repair or other uses, lifts and platforms are essential for many businesses. And safety supplies are on everyone's shopping list. You'll find a wide selection of suppliers here.

Bottom line: Targeted industrial goods sources, contacts and solutions can help your business grow and prosper.