When goods are closely substituted but not homogeneous, then there obtain product differentiation. Differences can be seemed in color, name, packing, size, quality, etc. Aim of product differentiation is to control price and increase profit. According to Chamberlin, product differentiation satisfies people's urge for variety. Hence, it becomes necessary to pay a little higher price.
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According to Prof. Chamberlin, one of the main features of monopolistic competition is product differentiation. Product differentiation means that goods are close substitutes but are not homogeneous. They differ in color, name, packing, size, quality, etc. One gets a variety of toothpaste in a monopolistic market, namely, Forhans, Cibaca, Colgate, Signal, Choice, etc. Likewise, there are different varieties of Soft-drink, such as Campa Cola, Thums up, Limca, etc. These products are close substitutes, but at the same time, they differ from one another. The main peculiarities of product differentiation are:
(i) Because of product differentiation, goods are not homogeneous as in perfect competition.
(ii) Product differentiation is a real situation of the market. These goods are close substitutes.
(iii) Product differentiation may be both real and artificial.
(iv) Under product differentiation, the producer gets the name or brand of his product legally patented. It means that the producer alone has the legal monopoly of producing the patented product under the given name, design, etc. For example, Maruti Udyog Limited alone can produce Maruti Cars; Remington Rand of India Ltd. alone can produce Remington Electronic Typewriter. These firms get the trademarks of their products registered. No other firm can use that mark on its product. However, it can produce close substitutes under another trademark and thus compete with other sister firms.
(v) Aim of product differentiation is to control price and increase profit. Product differentiation may increase the average cost.
(vi) According to Chamberlin, product differentiation satisfies people's urge for variety. Hence, it becomes necessary to pay a little higher price.
According to Chamberlin, "A general class of product is differentiated if only sufficient basis exists for distinguishing the goods (or services) of one dealer from those of another. Such a basis may be real or fancied, so long as it is of any importance whatever...