March 1987 (Revised April 1987)
Background Note
HBS Case Collection

Specialties vs. Commodities: The Battle for Profit Margins

Format:Print
| Pages:18

Abstract

Explains the differences between commodities and specialties and defines four different types of specialty products. The analysis is customer oriented. Special attention is given to the distinctions between functions (product- ) and relationship (vendor-oriented) specialties and to the degradation of those specialty markets to commodities.

Keywords

Goods and Commodities

Citation

Shapiro, Benson P. "Specialties vs. Commodities: The Battle for Profit Margins." Harvard Business School Background Note 587-120, March 1987. (Revised April 1987.)