What Is the Meaning of Consumer Durable?

Front load washers have a life expectancy of about 11 years.

Consumer durable goods consist of home and office products expected to function properly for three or more years. In the world of consumer goods, three years is considered a long lifespan.

Types

Durable goods, also referred to as hard goods or mass-market heavy goods, include furniture, kitchenware, consumer electronics and automobiles. These items are considered durable because they are not quickly destroyed by regular use.

Life Expectancy

Average life expectancies of durable goods vary by product and style. For example, a gas range is expected to last about 19 years while an electric range is usable approximately 17 years.

Semi-Durable Goods

Clothes, footwear and home furnishings are considered semi-durable because of their limited lifespan. These items are expected to be functional at least three years, though many variables play a part in their actual usability.

References

• Business Dictionary: Consumer Durables
• Demesne: Appliance Life Expectancy