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Products within the toy industry are determined and licensed by product category. Some categories even have sub categories. For example the "Doll" category may have the following sub categories: "electronic doll", "small doll", "fashion doll", "baby doll", etc. Categories as well as sub categories may additionally be divided by price-point, age, etc. as well. Annually, and sometimes quarterly, toy companies make marketing decisions as to which product categories they will enter, continue, reduce or eliminate. These product decisions are determined by a marketing plan that will outline specific product type, price-point, consumer reach, license property usage, time schedule and more. From this marketing plan, many toy companies produce a "wish list" of concepts or inventions they wish to consider.
Categories of interest continually change as consumer interests, trends, and technology dictate demand. New categories continue to emerge as less fashionable ones fade. Product categories as noted below may additionally be subdivided by age, price point, property license, etc. Larger companies are more likely to have a greater variety of product categories and needs. Medium and smaller companies tend to more focused and may carry fewer or possibly only one product category. Below, are only a few examples of product categories and sub categories for your reference. General product categories include:
I. Dolls
- promotional/feature dolls
- baby dolls
- small dolls
- collectibles
- fashion dolls
- accessories
II. Sports/ Spring Items
- water play
- sport
- boys /girls
III. Action figure
IV. Vehicles
- feature "stand alone" vehicle
- die cast
- vehicle extensions
- play sets
- ride ons
- accessories V. Boys Toys
VI. Girls Toys
VII. Games
- adult social interaction
- action game
- preschool game
- girls game
- juvenile game
- family game
- puzzles
- card
- electronic
VIII. Craft/ activity
IX. Construction Toys
X. Plush
- feature
- Property license
XI. Infant/Preschool
- role play
- electronic
- safety enhancement
XII. Novelty
XIII. Candy
XIV. Fun with Food
- role play
- edible
From an inventor perspective, it is important to know which companies carry what product types and lines. Certainly, insight into future plans and marketing goals within an organization can be instrumental in achieving either Concept or Property licensing success. A "hot" Concept or Property can become a fad, and potentially an "ever green" product with the proper marketing efforts.
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