Identifying Negative Products: Do Customers Like to Purchase Your Products

Describes how negative products/services are perceived by consumers as an unpleasant necessity to avoid or reduce a disutility, the negative concept being based on the behavioural modification phenomena of negative reinforcement. Examines empirical data on 14 product categories associated with negative perception. Suggests a pragmatic method for marketers to distinguish between negativeand positive products in order to aid the making of effective strategic and tactical decisions for promotion, distribution, sales training and pricing.