Durable good

In economics, a durable good or a hard good or consumer durable is a good that does not quickly wear out or, more specifically, one that yields utility over time rather than being completely consumed in one use. Items like bricks could be considered perfectly durable goods because they should theoretically never wear out. Highly durable goods such as refrigerators or cars usually continue to be useful for several years of use,[1] so durable goods are typically characterized by long periods between successive purchases.

Nondurable goods or soft goods (consumables) are the opposite of durable goods. They may be defined either as goods that are immediately consumed in one use or ones that have a lifespan of less than three years. Examples of nondurable goods include fast-moving consumer goods such as food, cosmetics, cleaning products, medication, clothing, packaging and fuel. While durable goods can usually be rented as well as bought, nondurable goods generally are not rented.

Durable goods are typically replaced due to obsolescence rather than breakdown.[2]

  1. ^ O'Sullivan, Arthur; Sheffrin, Steven M. (2003). Economics: Principles in Action. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458: Pearson Prentice Hall. pp. 302. ISBN 978-0-13-063085-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  2. ^ Prince, Jeffrey T. (March 2009). "How do households choose quality and time to replacement for a rapidly improving durable good?". Elsevier International Journal of Industrial Organization. 27 (2): 302–311. doi:10.1016/j.ijindorg.2008.09.002. Retrieved 25 February 2025.

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