A complementary good is one whose usage is directly related to another linked or associated good or a paired good, i.e., we can say two goods are complementary to each other. When the usage of good A enhances or requires the usage of another related good B or, in simpler terms, usage of good A drives the demand for the use of good
B. These are associated with or related to each other and are generally used in conjunction. The demand for one good drives the need for the other. It is generally observed that consumer
goodsConsumer goods are the products purchased by the buyers for consumption and not for resale. Also referred to as final products, examples of consumer goods include an Apple cellphone or a box of Oreo cookies. Consumer goods companies and the industry offer a vast range of products that heavily contribute to the global
economy.read more are of very little value when consumed or produced alone. Thus the existence of two or more complementary goods is necessary to bring about the right balance. When consumed or produced together, it adds enhanced value to the offering. Two products are called complementary when each one shares a beneficial relation, for example, mobile phone and mobile cover. Both cannot exist alone, and thus each one plays a role in the value offering. Complementary good, on the other hand, has a negative cross elasticity of demandCross Price Elasticity of Demand measures the relationship between price and demand. Change in quantity demanded by one product with a change in price of the second product, where if both products are substitutes, it will show a positive cross elasticity of demand.read more which means if the price of one product significantly increases, the demand for the related consumer goods tends to fall as due to increase of the price of one product, consumers will prefer using it alone and not complementing it with another good or product. In addition to this, as consumer demand for such goods or products falls, the price in the market for the complementary goods or services also tends to decline. Complementary Goods Examples
How Firms Use Complementary Goods?As we know, complementary goods are related to each other, and each good is deemed useless without the usage or consumption of the other. Firms are very smart in designing their product, and thus marketing happens so that consumers are bound to shed money even when the company says that goods are available at a discount. An example of this can be an instant camera, which is marketed by a few companies and is sold in the market for only $40. Consumers may think that a camera that provides a snap instantly at only $40 may be a good deal, but there is a catch to it. The camera comes with an additional photo roll where the photo taken gets printed. The price of each photo roll, which can print 12-15 photos, is $20. So after every 12-15 photos, the consumers have to shell out $20. It is where such companies are making use of complementary goods. One hand giving a product as cheap as $40, the complementary good that makes the camera usable is priced at a higher-end based on every use. Demand
Complementary Goods vs. Substitute Goods
Recommended ArticlesThis has been a guide to What is Complementary Goods & its Definition. Here we discuss the examples of complementary goods and how firms use this along with graphs and demand. You can learn more about from the following articles –
How does price of complementary goods affect demand?Complementary goods will have a negative cross elasticity of demand. If the price of one good increases, demand for both complementary goods will fall. The more closely linked the goods are, the higher will be the cross elasticity of demand.
What happens when price of a complementary good increases?Complementary goods exhibit a negative cross elasticity of demand: as the price of goods Y rises, the demand for good X falls.
What is the effect on product A of an increase in the price of complementary product B?Answer and Explanation: If products A and B are complementary goods, the demand for any of the goods increases as the price of the other good falls and it increases as the price of the other good falls.
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