What is The Difference Between FMCG and FMCD?

Today, the food and beverage industry holds a massive presence. FMCG and FMCD are two of the most used terms that you may have heard of if you work in the retail line or supply chain network. There are many people who do not have much knowledge about the difference between FMCG and FMCD. This post is very easy to understand, knowing all the differences between FMCG and FMCD. Here we go!

Introduction to FMCG and FMCD

What is FMCG? 

FMCG, or Fast Moving Consumer Goods, includes items that consumers buy frequently. This includes foods, beverages, toiletries and health care products. With their low life expectancy, people obtain them quickly and at relatively low prices. FMCG plays a vital role in everyday life and improves hygiene and health standards. The best FMCG distributors in Hong Kong help FMCG companies to resell and market their products. The popular FMCG brands are Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, P&G, and Coca-Cola.

What is FMCD?

FMCD, or Fast Moving Consumer Durables, refers to the products that have a much longer life expectancy than FMCG products. They provide long-term support and do not exhaust or expire in one use. Users can repeatedly use FMCDs for years. FMCDs include diverse goods for daily needs and improve living standards. It includes products like cars, household appliances, electronic gadgets, and sports equipment. FMCDs rarely sell in bulk directly to consumers, as a single product is sufficient and provides long-term support. For example, buying a washing machine automates your work and helps you wash your clothes efficiently for years. 

The difference between FMCG and FMCD

Knowing the difference between FMCG and FMCD is important for businesses, distributors, and consumers. That helps them to make better decisions about creating marketing strategies, selling, buying, and managing the products. That is why you should know the difference between the two. Let’s talk about the major difference between FMCG and FMCD:

Product Nature

FMCGs are quite affordable products that you can easily find in your nearby shops. In line with their daily life requirements, consumers readily consumed these products to further enhance their existence. FMCGs are confectionery, snacks, beverages, toiletries, and household essentials. Their low shelf life makes them usable for a few hours to a few days. However, some products also provide support for 6 months. Overall, FMCG products are an important part of daily needs.

On the other hand, FMCD products are much more expensive than FMCGs. These are basically durable goods that are not purchased frequently. This includes electronics, appliances, furniture, and gadgets. The nature of FMCG products is such that they remain usable for a long time. When consumers buy FMCDs, they often research carefully and then invest their money. They focus on the quality, durability, and long-term safety of the products.

Purchase Frequency

There is no doubt that FMCG products are purchased frequently, as this category mainly covers essential items like food, beverages, and hygiene products needed in daily life. Most of the FMCG products are limited to a low shelf life. They are purchased frequently on a daily or weekly basis. The prime examples of FMCG products are groceries, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, oral care, and personal care. You can buy confectionery items for pleasure from their taste and texture. But they can lose their originality within days if it is not eaten. 

On the other hand, FMCD products may not be purchased as frequently as similar FMCGs. You have to buy them occasionally since they are durable and mostly not related to food or beverages. These are expensive, as you need to invest a large amount of money to purchase them. Many items like electronics, appliances, and furniture fall into these categories and force users to plan carefully before making such purchases.

Consumer Decision Process

When it comes to buying FMCG products, consumers may not have to think a lot to buy them. The purchase of FMCG products often comes from our daily needs, habits, or strong brand loyalty to the products. The purchase of these products is so much faster and based on routine. You do not think a lot while buying this product, as they are cost-effective and mostly come as food, beverages, toiletries, etc. Their high demand makes wholesalers connect with FMCG distributor to order the products in bulk.

The decision process of buying an FMCD product is much more complex. It is not just about thinking and buying the product, but the demand for the product arises from much deeper thought. Consumers can think a lot, talk with the surrounding people, research, and compare different brands. Even they can analyse unique features of the two products to choose the best one. For example, if you want to purchase an air conditioner, your decision would come from looking at the quality, warranty, and after-sales service of the product.

Distribution and Sales

FMCG companies are those that manufacture and supply FMCG products to the market. Most of the time, an FMCG distributor connects with manufacturers and takes the responsibility to physically transport the products to wholesalers. They also market the products and use strong market strategies to build a unique persona for the brands. When the wholesaler gets the products in bulk from the distributor, they now sell their products in small quantities to online shops, local retailers, and supermarkets. These are the places from which the end consumer gets the products. 

On the other hand, FMCD products are sold through specialised showrooms and dealers. You can also find them on e-commerce platforms, where you may have some discounts. The sales process is more detailed. When you go to purchase the product, the shopkeeper can let you know about the product demonstrations, expert guidance, installation, and strong after-sales services. This assures consumers that the product they are about to purchase meets their requirements and gives them the confidence to purchase the product.

Last Words 

Today, both FMCGs and FMCDs are important for all of us. On the one hand, FMCGs ensure that you can fulfil your daily needs, get nutrition, and enjoy a better standard of living. On the other hand, FMCDs are essential to provide you with more convenience and improve your daily lives. FMCDs also come with extra benefits like warranty, technology, and durability to ensure long-term support. However, FMCG products are the most essential and need to be purchased daily. Getting the best FMCG products in bulk ensures you connect with the best FMCG distributor and order your bulk products.