Which element is NOT part of an actual product?

The concept of an actual product incorporates the tangible aspects that allow customers to experience the product directly, which essentially includes its features, design, quality level, and brand name. Warranty services, while important in the context of customer satisfaction and after-sales support, are classified as part of augmented products.

Augmented products consist of additional services or benefits that enhance the overall value proposition and customer experience but do not define the product itself in a tangible sense. These services, including warranty options, are intended to add reassurance and enhance customer loyalty but do not alter the core attributes of the product you can physically evaluate or encounter prior to purchase.

In contrast, the brand name represents the identity of the product, features and design detail the characteristics and functional aspects, and quality level indicates how well the product performs compared to similar offerings. All of these elements are intrinsic to the product that a consumer directly interacts with, distinguishing them from the supporting elements that fall into the augmented category.