Product Knowledge
What the exam tests
Questions test whether you can convert specifications into a benefit, read a label correctly, and compare two products for a stated customer need.
What a retail label must declare
Under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) rules, a pre-packaged item carries: name and address of manufacturer/packer/importer, generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacture or packing, MRP inclusive of all taxes, and consumer care contact details. Food packages additionally need FSSAI licence number, veg/non-veg mark, nutritional information, ingredients and best-before/expiry.
Certifications to recognise
- ISI (BIS) - mandatory for several product categories.
- Hallmark - gold jewellery purity.
- AGMARK - agricultural grade.
- BEE star label - energy efficiency of appliances.
- EAN-13 barcode - 13 digits; Indian prefixes begin with 890.
Features vs benefits
A feature is what the product has (500 W motor); a benefit is what it does for the user (grinds tough masala quickly). Sell benefits, support with features.
Worked example
Two 1.5-ton split ACs, both 5-star: Model A draws 1,400 W, Model B draws 1,250 W. Usage 8 hours a day for 180 days; tariff ₹8/unit.
- Energy A = 1.4 kW × 8 × 180 = 2,016 kWh → ₹16,128.
- Energy B = 1.25 kW × 8 × 180 = 1,800 kWh → ₹14,400.
- Saving = ₹1,728 per year. If B costs ₹2,000 more, payback is about 14 months, so B is the better recommendation for a heavy user. Reasoning must be shown, not just the conclusion.
Traps that cost marks
Quoting wattage as "units consumed"; ignoring star rating and comparing only price; claiming ISI certification for a product category that does not require it; misreading net quantity when the pack size looks larger.