Goods from the same category can lie next to each other in a shop, appear similar, yet differ in one of them has more, the other does not have to be stored in a certain way, or the product information on the package of one product is written in large bold letters and the package of the other in small thin letters, even though the consumer properties are the same in both. In order to be able to compare the properties of the two goods with each other, the same questions must be asked from both.
Take two goods from the same category next to each other. Cover up the brand of the goods if possible. Mark on the observation list the official name of the product, purpose of use, net content or number of portions, composition or material, package type, date information, storage and price. Keep the quantity and price units the same. If you observe the appearance of one product and the composition and price of another, you will not be able to make a meaningful comparison.
Compare the properties of goods on the basis of their purpose of use. When comparing the properties of food, composition, quantity per portion, date marking, storage after opening and package type may be useful. In the case of household products, for example, concentration, surface compatibility, warning labels, shape and size of the package and conditions of handling the goods are important details. Including all the details that are visible on the packaging makes a difference, and choosing one appealing detail makes comparison impossible.
Compare the condition and suitability of the packaging equally. The packaging of both products is examined for damaged seals, dents, leakage, discoloration, deformation, wet spots, and illegible printing. If the packaging protects the product and promotes the product to use? Is a heavier package or a brighter box always better? It does not necessarily have to be. Does the packaging serve the purpose, provide protection and ensure clear information about the product.
A comparison of prices is difficult if net content and form of goods have not been taken into account. The cheaper package may contain less and the more expensive product may be concentrated, or divided into more portions. You can try to determine the price for the same quantity unit, but the price should not replace the evaluation of the product. The composition, durability, storage of the product, visible condition and purpose of use should still be recorded separately.
After that, you can write a factual statement about each difference. For example: The amount of product in a package is larger. The goods are protected in a resealable package. The product needs to be stored in the refrigerator after opening. It contains a different material. By linking the comparison of products to the same criteria, the evaluation is more reliable. What difference would still matter without brand and package color?