(1) Market research, (2) Aggregation of goods, (3) Making the goods fit for consumption, (4) Authentication of goods, (5) Marking of goods, (6) Pricing,(7) Packing of goods, (8) Storage of goods, (9) Transportation, (10) Insuring goods, (11) Financial arrangements, (12) Advertisement, (13) sales distribution system, (14) Sale, (15) After sales service.
(1) Market research: Market research is the first task in marketing activities. It can be simply said that in this process information about customers is obtained. Information is obtained about their choice preferences etc. There are some risks involved in mass production today in anticipation of future parts. For example, it is necessary to get information about the customers to eliminate the risks, whether the sale will happen or not, whether the customers will like the product or not. Based on that, the future can be predicted. Get information about their demand, price, competition etc. Various methods are used for this. Like, questionnaire method, sampling method etc.
(2) Aggregation of goods : Often when goods are produced at different places, the goods are brought together at an intermediate place. This is known as aggregation of goods. Consolidation of goods is sometimes done when the producers are scattered, the product is seasonal, the goods are produced on a small scale, or the goods produced need to be processed.
(3) Making the goods fit for consumption : Often the goods have to undergo necessary processing to make them fit for consumption. These processes are usually done at the raw material storage location. Making goods consumable increases their market value. It is important to see that the process is done according to the needs of the customer. D. E.g. cleaning grains, ripening fruits etc.
(4) Standardization and classification of goods: Standardization of goods is a process in which standards of what goods should be are determined. Standards for goods can be for their size, color, appearance, smell, taste, nutrients etc. Government certification is also required in these products. Classification is done along with authentication. In classification goods of different quality are classified separately. Hence the price of the class of goods is determined. And the right price can be charged from the customers. Product classification and certification work increases consumer confidence in product quality. The classification of agricultural produce in India is done by the central government’s market account. Industrial products are classified by the Indian Standards Institution (BIS).
(5) Marking the goods : This mark distinguishes the goods of the manufacturer from those of competitors. A mark on goods is a distinctive mark placed on the goods. The consumer recognizes the goods only on the basis of this impression. Consumers are not cheated with mixed goods due to marked goods. Marked goods can be easily advertised. Marked goods assure the quality of the product to the consumers. Often the manufacturer also gives a name to his goods which is called a brand. A brand can include any name, sign, number, manufacturer’s name or picture.
(6) Pricing : The manufacturer obtains various cost estimates for his production. It includes cost of production of goods, packing of goods, insurance, distribution, advertisement etc. Required in this field
The selling price is determined by adding the profit amount. The demand for the product and the price of the competitors are also taken into consideration while determining the price. Pricing before packing is essential as it is mandatory by law to print the price on the packaging of the product
(7) Packing of goods : It serves to protect the finished goods and create attractiveness among consumers. How to use the product is often printed on the packaging. Almost every product needs packing. Packing can be called the garment of the product. The packaging also facilitates ease of use of the product. The packaging can also be easily manipulated by the product. Due to packing, the quality and properties of the goods are preserved. Satak realizes the value of goods. Different packing materials are used for different types of goods. D. T. Paper, plastic jars, tin cans, glass jars etc
(8) Stocking of goods : It is necessary to place the produce in the market as per the requirement of the customer. It often becomes necessary to maintain a balance between demand and supply of products. Production is always based on future demand. Hence it is necessary to store goods. It is also necessary to maintain the quality of the goods in the warehousing process. Warehousing function facilitates movement of goods and maintains availability of goods in the market.
(9) Transportation : Various means of transportation are used for regular supply of raw materials, delivery and distribution of finished goods to customers. Goods can be transported by land, rail, water and air. D. E.g., a car manufacturing company transports cars from one place to another in large containers.
(10) Insuring goods : Nowadays many types of risks arise during movement of goods and during storage of goods. D. E.g., there are dangers like theft, fire, looting, riot damage, drowning etc. The manufacturer-distributor insures the goods to protect against these risks. Insuring goods provides protection against potential losses that may arise. Modern manufacturers-distributors offer fire insurance, property insurance, accident insurance, marine insurance, riot insurance etc. as per their requirement.
(11) Financial arrangement: The working capital required for all the functions of market management has to be arranged. Special financial planning is required to meet this requirement. How much money would a market manager need in which marketing function? When do you want it? It is necessary to plan etc. Often seasonal produce is advertised in a particular season. For this need of money needs to be arranged in advance. The task of the marketing manager is to coordinate between the availability of funds at the time of need and the various functions of marketing management such as advertising campaigns, setting up distribution systems, branding the goods, conducting market research, etc.
(12) Advertising : Advertising strategy is done on the basis of demand estimation and availability of funds. Advertising work depends on the type of product, Hariko’s advertising strategy and the effectiveness of the medium. Advertising plays an important role in creating demand for a product. Because of this, after advertising, both the attractiveness and demand of consumers for the advertised product and service increases. Often local advertising campaigns prove to be more effective.
(13) Sales distribution system: It is essential that the product reaches the consumer quickly and at a reasonable price from the manufacturer. Appointment of distributors for that becomes necessary. Often the producer eases his burden by delegating the distribution of goods to an intermediary (for the entire district or state). A sales distribution system is created according to the type of product. If the demand for goods is very high and constant then all the distribution options are used. In distribution through middlemen, it is necessary to get the goods to the wholesaler, retailer on time. Sometimes the manufacturer does the sales function at their place of manufacture.
(14) Sale : Sale is an exchange process in market operation in which the goods are handed over to the customer and money is obtained by selling the goods. Middlemen play an important role in the sales function. The more aggressive the salesperson is, the higher the sales. Often the manufacturer sells directly to consumers. The most effective way of selling is personal selling
(15) After Sales Services : Marketing is not complete with sales alone, but to get satisfied and permanent customers, customer complaints should be heard, defective goods should be returned or replaced, repair services should be provided as per requirement. Some products require demonstration at the customer’s home. For items like air conditioners, televisions, doorbells, refrigerators that require technical know-how, after-sales service should be arranged. The manufacturer has to build a network for after sales services
