What are Soft Goods?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Also known as consumables or nondurable goods, soft goods are any products that are expected to have a life span of less than three years. This is in contrast to durable goods that are anticipated to remain useful for any amount of time over three years. Both soft and durable goods are essential components in the economy of most nations, and routinely purchased by consumers on an ongoing basis.
One of the best examples of soft goods is clothing. While it is true that some articles of clothing may last for longer than three years, most manufacturers do not guarantee the garments for more than a year or so, assuming that the clothing undergoes normal wear and tear. Consumables of this type require replacement from time to time, either due to changes in consumer taste, changes in the body type of the owner, or because a favorite garment is worn until it begins to show signs of age.
Other forms of textiles are also anticipated to last no more than three years. Bedclothes, especially sheet sets, are normally not expected to last for longer. Table cloths, napkins, towels, and many types of draperies and curtains are generally classed as soft.
Clothing accessories are sometimes considered soft goods. Shoes, boots, and other forms of footwear are rarely manufactured with the idea of lasting more than three years. The same is true with gloves, scarves, baseball caps, and other items that are usually selected to accentuate the selection of clothing.
Any type of product that is consumed in a short period of time can be rightly considered soft goods. Office supplies are an excellent example. Paper products like copy paper, file folders, and notepads are consumed regularly and must be replaced. Markers, pens, and materials used to create visual aids are also often consumed within the course of a few months to a year. Rubber products, such as elastic bands are classified as soft goods, since they do tend to break after several rounds of use over the years.
Personal products represent another type of soft goods. All forms of cosmetics are considered consumables, along with products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and any personal hygiene products. Lotions or creams used for skin care or body cleansing are also considered soft or nondurable goods.
There are many other types of soft goods that are in use on a daily basis. Small household appliances like toasters, hair dryers, and other items that are utilized at least several times a week rarely carry a warranty that is more than a couple of years. Petroleum products, such as gasoline or oil, are consumables. Essentially, if the product is manufactured with the understanding that it has a limited shelf life of less than three years, it can be classified as a nondurable good.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![Gasoline is considered a soft good.]()
By: sintGasoline is considered a soft good. -
![Paperclips are considered soft goods.]()
By: Jakub KrechowiczPaperclips are considered soft goods. -
![Personal products that are considered soft goods include mouthwash.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiPersonal products that are considered soft goods include mouthwash. -
![Rubber goods may be considered soft goods.]()
By: aleksandra_1981Rubber goods may be considered soft goods. -
![Skin care products are one type of soft good.]()
By: iroto123Skin care products are one type of soft good.
Discussion Comments
Toilet paper must be the soft good with the least life span. We always use up toilet paper quickly in our house. The other item that we use up quickly is soda. But can we consider food items as soft goods?
And then comes cosmetics and hygiene products like hand soap, toothpaste, face wash and lotion. Clothes and shoes tend to last a little longer. I guess everything we use a lot of and use up quickly is a soft good.
@fBoyle-- A TV is a durable good. It is generally meant to last more than three years. There may be exceptions because some TVs may be flawed. But they are not soft goods. As you said, we don't have to replace TVs frequently.
Large appliances are generally considered hard goods or durable goods. So refrigerators, washing machines and TVs are all hard goods.
Smaller appliances like blenders, coffee machines, etc are soft goods. They aren't usually guaranteed to last for more than a few years.
And you are also right about cost. I think that there is a correlation between cost and durability. Most appliances that cost a lot, are generally durable, hard goods. Appliances that cost less tend to be soft goods.
Is a TV a soft good or a hard good? My last TV broke down after two years and it only had a guarantee for one year. But shouldn't it last longer and have a longer guarantee? TVs are not so cheap that we can replace them so frequently.
I feel like the difference between hard goods vs soft goods is not very clear in some cases.
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