Final answer:
Consumer products are classified by shopping behavior and use by individuals, while business products are classified based on their role in production and business operations. Option b is the correct answer to the student's question.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumer product classes are based on how the consumers shop for the product, while business product classes are based on how the product is to be used. Therefore, the correct answer is option b: how the consumers shop for the product; how the product is to be used.
Consumer goods like shoes, backpacks, or cars are aimed at satisfying the wants and needs of individuals. In contrast, business products such as bulldozers or cash registers are designed to facilitate the production of other goods and services.
The classification of consumer products can be influenced by consumer behaviour, shopping patterns, and product usage. On the other hand, business products are typically categorized based on their use in operations, production, and how they contribute to business activities.
These items are critical to the functioning of a business and are often directly tied to the production of other commodities or the delivery of services.