Durables
Durables are items that are expected to last for multiple years. Durable items can be found in nearly every industry, ranging from everyday products such as clothing, furniture and electronics to specialized items such as industrial equipment and medical devices. Durables, also known as hard goods, are usually purchased rarely because they are expected to serve a certain purpose for a relatively long period of time.
Durables have become essential to everyday life and the vast majority of households have some form of durable goods. Clothing is one of the most common durables, ranging from everyday garments to formalwear and activewear. Furniture also fits in this category, from traditional sofas and chairs to modern sleigh beds and upholstered chairs. Durables also include appliances, from vacuums and washing machines to refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers. Electronics and consumer electronics, such as televisions, computers, tablets and smartphones, are now necessities in most households.
For businesses and industrial operations, durables are all the more essential. Anything that is used in the production or operation of a business is considered a durable. This can range from heavy duty equipment to specialized tools and parts. Industrial machines and tools, such as cranes, forklifts, welding rigs and other construction materials, are all examples of industrial durables. Lab equipment, such as microscopes, spectrometers and other pieces of research equipment, are also considered durables. Durables are also essential in the medical industry, where sterile equipment, cardiology machines and surgical instruments are all counted as durable items.
Overall, it is clear that durables are essential for everyday life and for the functioning of businesses and industries. Durables range from clothing and furniture to industrial equipment and medical devices and are expected to last for multiple years; thus, most people and businesses only buy durable items when they need to.