Search good

In economics, a search good is a product or service with features and characteristics easily evaluated before purchase. In a distinction originally due to Philip Nelson, a search good is contrasted with an experience good.

Search goods are more subject to substitution and price competition, as consumers can easily verify the price of the product and alternatives at other outlets and make sure that the products are comparable. Branding and detailed product specifications act to transform a product from an experience good into a search good.

References

Luis M. B. Cabral: Introduction to Industrial Organisation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press, 2000, page 223. ISBN 0-262-03286-4
Philip Nelson, "Information and Consumer Behavior", 78 Journal of Political Economy 311, 312 (1970).

Types of goods

Public goods Private goods (includes household goods) Common goods Common-pool resource Club goods Anti-rival goods Global public goods Global commons

(Non-)Rivalrous goods and (Non-)Excludable goods

Complementary goods vs. Substitute goods vs. Independent goods

Free goods vs. Positional goods

(Non-)Durable goods Intermediate goods (producer goods) Final goods Capital goods

Inferior goods Normal goods (Necessity goods) Neutral goods Ordinary goods Information goods Giffen goods Luxury goods Veblen goods Superior goods

Search goods (Post-)Experience goods Credence goods

Merit goods Demerit goods

Damaged goods Composite goods Intangible goods

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