(Optional) Describe common business types.

Description could include

  • manufacturing—buys products with the intention of using them as materials in making a new product; combines raw materials, labor, and factory overhead in its production process. Manufactured goods are sold to customers.
  • merchandising—buys products at wholesale price and sells the same at retail price; sells a product without changing its form. Examples include grocery stores, convenience stores, distributors, and other resellers.
  • service—provides intangible products. Examples include repair shops, banks, accounting firms, and law firms.
  • hybrid—classified in more than one type of business. These businesses may be classified according to their major business interest. For example, a restaurant combines ingredients in making a fine meal (manufacturing), sells a cold bottle of refreshment (merchandising), and fills customer orders (service).

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What is the relationship among the types of businesses?
  • What are examples from the local community of each type of business?
  • Is one type of business more important than the others? Explain.
  • What trends are occurring in the implementation of new businesses?
  • How do manufacturing entrepreneurs make money?
  • Is manufacturing still a viable path for an entrepreneur in the United States? Explain.
  • What are examples of manufacturers?
  • What factors might an entrepreneur consider when deciding whether to offer a good, a service, or a combination of goods and services?
  • What are examples of businesses that provide services?
  • How does an entrepreneur know that they have a hybrid business?
  • What are examples of hybrid businesses?
  • Why type of business is a company that provides cloud storage: a product or service?

Teacher Resources: