8+ Cute Care Bears Halloween Mug Finds & More!


8+ Cute Care Bears Halloween Mug Finds & More!

A seasonal consuming vessel that includes the Care Bears characters with Halloween-themed designs represents a confluence of well-liked tradition and vacation celebration. These things usually depict the plush bears adorned in costumes, surrounded by pumpkins, bats, or different symbols related to the autumn vacation. As an illustration, a ceramic container may showcase Cheer Bear dressed as a witch, alongside Grumpy Bear reluctantly sporting vampire fangs, all in opposition to a backdrop of falling orange leaves.

The attraction of those collectible gadgets stems from a number of elements. Nostalgia performs a big function, because the Care Bears franchise evokes fond recollections for a lot of who grew up within the Nineteen Eighties. The addition of a vacation theme additional enhances the desirability, tapping into the shoppers emotional connection to Halloween and its related traditions. Moreover, such an object can serve a number of functions: purposeful use for consuming drinks, ornamental show in the course of the Halloween season, or a valued addition to a set of memorabilia. The limited-time availability of seasonal merchandise usually provides to its perceived worth and collectibility.

The next sections will delve into the particular design components steadily noticed on such themed containers, discover the market demand and client demographics, and look at the elements influencing their perceived worth and potential as a collectible merchandise.

1. Nostalgia

Nostalgia varieties a bedrock of the market surrounding commemorative gadgets associated to established franchises, notably these linked to childhood recollections. The “care bears halloween mug” exemplifies this phenomenon, leveraging the emotional connections cast in the course of the model’s peak reputation to drive client curiosity.

  • Revisiting Childhood Reminiscences

    The Care Bears loved vital cultural presence in the course of the Nineteen Eighties, a interval now seen via a nostalgic lens by many adults. Buying a themed container reignites the constructive feelings related to this formative interval, providing a tangible hyperlink to a perceived less complicated, extra carefree time. As an illustration, the imagery on the mug may evoke recollections of watching the Care Bears tv present, enjoying with Care Bears toys, or receiving a Care Bears merchandise as a present.

  • Transgenerational Enchantment

    The franchise continues to take care of a degree of consciousness amongst youthful generations, partly via reboots and variations. This permits older people, pushed by nostalgia, to share their appreciation for the Care Bears with their kids or youthful family members. The “care bears halloween mug” can thus change into a shared expertise, reinforcing familial bonds and transmitting nostalgic emotions throughout generations. The acquisition of the mug may be an effort to introduce a beloved childhood property to a brand new viewers.

  • The Consolation of Familiarity

    In a quickly altering world, acquainted symbols and characters supply a way of stability and luxury. The Care Bears symbolize a identified amount, offering a predictable and constructive emotional response. The Halloween theme provides a seasonal layer to this consolation, aligning the product with established traditions and expectations. The constant design aesthetic of the Care Bears, even when tailored for Halloween, reinforces this sense of familiarity.

  • Capitalizing on Restricted Availability

    The seasonal nature of Halloween merchandise usually creates a way of urgency, additional fueling purchases pushed by nostalgia. The restricted window of alternative to accumulate the merchandise can amplify the need to recapture or relive cherished recollections related to each the Care Bears and the vacation. The notion of shortage will increase the perceived worth and desirability of the “care bears halloween mug,” prompting rapid motion.

In essence, the “care bears halloween mug” will not be merely a vessel for drinks; it’s a car for accessing and reliving constructive childhood experiences. The interaction of nostalgia, transgenerational attraction, comforting familiarity, and restricted availability contributes to its desirability and market worth, notably amongst people looking for to recapture the emotional connections of their youth.

2. Collectibility

The collectibility of a “care bears halloween mug” is considerably influenced by a number of key elements. Rarity, situation, and the presence of unique packaging contribute on to its potential worth as a collectible merchandise. As an illustration, a mug produced in restricted portions throughout a selected 12 months or that includes a personality variation not extensively obtainable would command a better worth throughout the collector market. Moreover, the mug’s bodily state, devoid of chips, cracks, or fading, is paramount to sustaining its worth. Inclusion of the unique field or tags serves as additional validation of its authenticity and preserves its historic context.

The character of seasonal merchandise inherently fosters collectibility. Halloween gadgets, by their restricted availability, change into sought-after items as soon as the vacation passes. Coupled with the established fanbase of the Care Bears franchise, this shortage creates a aggressive market amongst collectors. Examples embrace limited-edition character depictions like a “Zombie Cheer Bear” or a “Pumpkin Spice Grumpy Bear,” which, if solely obtainable via a selected retailer or throughout a quick promotional interval, see their values improve quickly on secondary marketplaces. One other contributing issue is the constant design evolution annually which creates a necessity for collectors to acquire new fashions as a way to maintain their set full.

Understanding the interaction between rarity, situation, seasonal launch, and model recognition is essential for each collectors and resellers. This data allows knowledgeable buy selections, strategic storage practices, and correct valuation assessments. Challenges throughout the market embrace the proliferation of counterfeit gadgets and the fluctuating nature of client demand. In the end, the enduring attraction of the Care Bears mixed with the ephemeral nature of Halloween merchandise ensures the continued collectibility of those themed containers.

3. Seasonal designs

The connection between seasonal designs and a “care bears halloween mug” is integral to its attraction and market positioning. Halloween-specific motifs rework an ordinary piece of merchandise right into a time-limited collectible, capitalizing on the cultural significance and festive environment of the vacation. These designs instantly affect client buying selections, primarily because of the psychological impact of seasonal associations. For instance, depictions of Care Bears characters in Halloween costumes, corresponding to a witch Cheer Bear or a vampire Grumpy Bear, instantly join the merchandise to Halloween festivities. The inclusion of conventional Halloween symbols, corresponding to pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and sweet corn, additional reinforces this affiliation. With out the appliance of seasonal designs, the merchandise would merely be a generic piece of Care Bears merchandise, missing the specialised draw of a Halloween-themed product. The ensuing impact is lowered client curiosity and subsequently decrease market worth.

Evaluation of profitable releases reveals widespread design methods. Colour palettes usually adhere to conventional Halloween colours orange, black, purple, and sometimes inexperienced to evoke the visible cues related to the vacation. The designs usually incorporate playful twists on the Care Bears’ attribute sweetness, juxtaposing their mild nature with gentle horror components acceptable for a household viewers. For instance, a ghostly rendition of Bedtime Bear, depicted as translucent and surrounded by pleasant cartoon ghosts, maintains the character’s acquainted attraction whereas introducing a Halloween thematic factor. The sensible software of this understanding informs producers’ design decisions, resulting in merchandise that resonate with shoppers looking for seasonal novelty and nostalgic appeal. Correct implementation of recognizable vacation symbology ensures market success.

In abstract, seasonal designs are paramount to the id and market viability of a “care bears halloween mug.” They supply the important thematic hyperlink to Halloween, influencing client buying selections and enhancing the product’s collectibility. Whereas challenges could come up from precisely portraying vacation imagery with out compromising the model’s core id, the mixing of strategic seasonal design components ensures the merchandise’s attraction and profitability inside a aggressive market. The broader implications spotlight the efficient use of seasonal themes in merchandising to capitalize on cultural occasions and client sentiment.

4. Character variations

The presence of character variations considerably enhances the desirability and collectibility of a Halloween-themed Care Bears container. These variations deviate from customary character depictions, usually incorporating thematic components particular to the vacation, and affect client buying selections.

  • Costume-Themed Alterations

    A outstanding side of character variations is the incorporation of Halloween costumes. As an alternative of their typical apparel, characters may be depicted dressed as witches, vampires, ghosts, or different holiday-related figures. For instance, Funshine Bear may very well be proven carrying a jack-o’-lantern costume, or Grumpy Bear may very well be adorned with vampire fangs and a cape. These alterations present a novel and limited-time illustration of acquainted characters, rising their attraction to collectors and followers alike. The restricted nature of those variations contributes to their collectibility.

  • Colour Palette Modifications

    Character colour schemes might be adjusted to align with conventional Halloween palettes. This may contain darkening the usually shiny hues of the Care Bears or incorporating orange, black, and purple tones. As an illustration, Cheer Bear’s ordinary pink fur may very well be rendered in a darker magenta shade, or Tenderheart Bear’s brown fur may very well be given a refined orange tint. Such colour modifications create a visible connection to the vacation and differentiate the themed mug from customary Care Bears merchandise. The deviation from acquainted colours will increase the novelty.

  • Symbolic Attribute Additions

    The addition of Halloween-specific symbols to a personality’s design represents one other type of variation. This might contain incorporating pumpkins, bats, ghosts, spiderwebs, or sweet corn into the character’s look. For instance, Want Bear may be depicted holding a glowing jack-o’-lantern, or Love-a-Lot Bear may very well be surrounded by floating cartoon ghosts. These additions reinforce the Halloween theme and contribute to the mug’s visible attraction. The symbolic additions set up the vacation context.

  • Restricted Version Character Combos

    Particular releases could function combos of characters or characters that aren’t steadily paired collectively on customary merchandise. A Halloween container may showcase a bunch of Care Bears interacting in a spooky haunted home setting, or pair a historically “constructive” character with a “unfavourable” one in a humorous situation, corresponding to Cheer Bear trying to cheer up a grumpy ghost. These novel combos improve the product’s uniqueness and attraction to collectors looking for uncommon or unconventional merchandise. Character combos improve the perceived worth.

These aspects of character variations exhibit their vital function within the general marketability of a seasonal Care Bears container. The limited-time nature of those variations, mixed with their inherent attraction to collectors and followers, instantly influences buying selections and contributes to the product’s potential worth.

5. Materials composition

The bodily constituents of a Halloween-themed Care Bears vessel dictate its sturdiness, aesthetic qualities, and market worth. The number of supplies instantly impacts its suitability for supposed use and contributes to its general perceived high quality.

  • Ceramic Properties

    Ceramic, a prevalent alternative for beverage containers, presents inherent thermal resistance and impermeability. Its suitability for cold and warm liquids makes it a sensible choice. Variations in ceramic, corresponding to earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, every exhibit distinct traits. Earthenware, whereas cost-effective, is extra porous and vulnerable to chipping. Stoneware presents elevated sturdiness and water resistance. Porcelain, identified for its refined texture and translucence, represents a higher-end choice. The number of a selected ceramic sort influences the merchandise’s weight, fragility, and general longevity. The sturdiness supplied ensures usability.

  • Glass Concerns

    Glass, one other potential materials, gives transparency, permitting visible appreciation of the contents. Borosilicate glass, identified for its thermal shock resistance, is healthier suited to sizzling drinks than customary soda-lime glass. Nevertheless, glass is inherently extra fragile than sure ceramics and requires cautious dealing with to stop breakage. The readability of the glass impacts the vibrancy and visibility of any utilized ornamental components. Glass gives the aesthetic benefit of clear visibility.

  • Polymer Functions

    Whereas much less widespread for the first construction, polymers could also be included into handles, lids, or ornamental components. The precise polymer used impacts its resistance to warmth, affect, and chemical degradation. Meals-grade polymers, corresponding to polypropylene, are needed for protected contact with drinks. The usage of polymers can scale back general weight and improve design flexibility, although issues about long-term sturdiness and potential leaching of chemical substances could come up. Polymers supply design flexibility, however materials security have to be thought of.

  • Ornamental Ingredient Composition

    The supplies comprising the ornamental components, corresponding to paints, glazes, and decals, are essential for making certain aesthetic attraction and security. Lead-free paints and glazes are important to stop dangerous substances from leaching into drinks. The sturdiness of those ornamental components dictates the long-term aesthetic integrity of the merchandise, with resistance to fading, scratching, and chipping being fascinating qualities. The standard of ornamental components enhances the looks and security. Sturdiness assures a long-lasting design.

The composition of the supplies is integral to the general high quality and longevity of a “care bears halloween mug”. The precise supplies chosen have an effect on not solely its purposeful traits but in addition its visible attraction and potential for collectibility. Knowledgeable shoppers contemplate materials composition when assessing product worth and making buying selections. The selection between ceramic, glass, and polymer dictates sturdiness, aesthetic qualities, and market worth.

6. Manufacturing amount

The variety of items manufactured instantly influences the market dynamics surrounding a seasonal Care Bears container. This issue determines shortage, affecting each the perceived worth and the next availability of the merchandise to shoppers. Selections concerning manufacturing volumes contain a cautious evaluation of anticipated demand, manufacturing capability, and strategic stock administration.

  • Restricted Version Releases

    A deliberate restriction on the variety of items produced can elevate the merchandise’s desirability amongst collectors. This technique, also known as a “restricted version,” creates a way of urgency and exclusivity, prompting rapid purchases. An instance could be a numbered collection, with a certificates of authenticity, indicating that solely a hard and fast amount have been ever made. The shortage generated by restricted manufacturing runs usually interprets into increased resale values in secondary markets.

  • Mass-Market Manufacturing

    Conversely, mass-market manufacturing goals to fulfill broader client demand and maximize income era. This method entails manufacturing massive portions of the merchandise to make sure widespread availability via numerous retail channels. Whereas particular person unit values could also be decrease in comparison with restricted editions, the general profitability might be substantial because of the sheer quantity of gross sales. Gadgets supposed for mass consumption usually lack distinctive identifiers or limited-edition markings.

  • Regional Variations in Availability

    Manufacturing portions could also be allotted erratically throughout totally different geographic areas, creating localized shortage. This may happen on account of logistical constraints, focused advertising campaigns, or various ranges of client curiosity. For instance, a selected Halloween-themed variant may be solely obtainable in North American markets, resulting in increased demand and costs in areas the place it’s not readily accessible. Distribution methods contribute to variations in market worth.

  • Influence on Resale Market Dynamics

    The preliminary manufacturing quantity considerably impacts the next habits of the resale market. Gadgets produced in restricted portions have a tendency to understand in worth over time, as demand outstrips provide. Conversely, gadgets produced in mass portions are much less more likely to expertise substantial worth will increase, until they possess distinctive traits or are discontinued. The secondary market displays the connection between availability and client want.

The manufacturing amount of a seasonal Care Bears container will not be merely a logistical consideration; it’s a strategic factor that profoundly shapes its market trajectory. Whether or not intentional or circumstantial, the variety of items manufactured finally dictates its perceived worth, availability to shoppers, and efficiency throughout the resale market. This dynamic necessitates cautious consideration of market demand, strategic aims, and long-term implications when figuring out manufacturing volumes.

7. Licensing agreements

Licensing agreements type the essential authorized and industrial framework inside which a “care bears halloween mug” is produced and marketed. These agreements dictate the rights and duties of all events concerned, making certain model integrity and defending mental property.

  • Grant of Rights

    Licensing agreements specify the exact rights granted by the mental property proprietor (on this case, the proprietor of the Care Bears franchise) to a producer or distributor. These rights delineate the permissible use of the Care Bears emblems, characters, and related imagery on the seasonal container. The settlement will stipulate the particular characters allowed, the forms of designs permissible (e.g., Halloween-themed costumes), and the permitted supplies for manufacturing. Unauthorized use of those components constitutes a breach of contract and infringement of mental property rights, topic to authorized motion. Clear delineation of rights ensures authorized compliance.

  • High quality Management Requirements

    Licensing agreements invariably embrace provisions for high quality management. The licensor retains the correct to approve designs, examine manufacturing services, and conduct product testing to make sure that the ultimate product meets established high quality requirements. That is to take care of the model’s picture. Such requirements could dictate the forms of supplies used, the sturdiness of the printing, and compliance with security laws concerning lead content material or different dangerous substances. Failure to fulfill these requirements can lead to the termination of the settlement, removing of the product from the market, and potential reputational injury to each the licensee and the licensor. Strict high quality enforcement protects model fame.

  • Royalty Funds and Income Sharing

    A elementary side of licensing agreements is the willpower of royalty funds. The licensee (the producer of the mug) is obligated to pay the licensor (the proprietor of the Care Bears franchise) a proportion of the income generated from the sale of the product. The royalty price is usually negotiated based mostly on elements such because the anticipated gross sales quantity, the exclusivity of the license, and the market worth of the model. Failure to remit royalty funds constitutes a breach of contract and can lead to authorized motion. Clear monetary phrases are important for profitability.

  • Territorial Restrictions and Distribution Channels

    Licensing agreements usually specify the geographic territories during which the licensee is allowed to promote the product. These restrictions forestall unauthorized distribution exterior of the agreed-upon area, defending the licensor’s management over its model and market penetration methods. The agreements may additionally dictate the permissible distribution channels, corresponding to retail shops, on-line marketplaces, or direct-to-consumer gross sales. Violation of territorial restrictions or distribution channel agreements can result in authorized repercussions and injury the enterprise relationship between the events concerned. Outlined territories regulate market attain.

The aforementioned aspects underscore the important function of licensing agreements within the creation and distribution of a “care bears halloween mug.” These agreements safeguard mental property rights, guarantee product high quality, set up monetary obligations, and regulate market entry. Adherence to those agreements is crucial for each the licensor and the licensee to take care of a sustainable and legally compliant enterprise relationship.

8. Goal demographic

Understanding the supposed viewers is paramount for efficiently advertising any product, together with a Halloween-themed Care Bears container. Defining the goal demographic permits for tailor-made design decisions, centered advertising campaigns, and optimized distribution methods, thereby maximizing gross sales potential.

  • Nostalgia-Pushed Adults (25-45 years outdated)

    This section contains people who grew up in the course of the Care Bears’ peak reputation within the Nineteen Eighties. They possess a robust emotional connection to the franchise and search to recapture childhood recollections. Advertising methods for this demographic emphasize the nostalgic attraction of the characters and the seasonal associations with Halloween. Design components could function vintage-inspired paintings and references to the unique tv collection. Examples embrace promoting campaigns that evoke childhood experiences and collaborations with retailers specializing in retro merchandise. The implications embrace doubtlessly increased worth factors based mostly on the emotional worth assigned to the product.

  • Dad and mom with Younger Youngsters (30-40 years outdated)

    This section seeks merchandise that attraction to each their very own sense of nostalgia and their kids’s pursuits. They’re drawn to gadgets which might be protected, age-appropriate, and promote constructive values. Advertising efforts directed at this demographic spotlight the family-friendly nature of the Care Bears model and the festive environment of Halloween. Design issues prioritize shiny colours, non-toxic supplies, and sturdy development. Examples embrace promoting campaigns that includes households having fun with Halloween traditions collectively and partnerships with retailers specializing in kids’s merchandise. The implications embrace a give attention to affordability and product security certifications.

  • Collectors of Pop Tradition Memorabilia (Varied Ages)

    This group is pushed by a want to accumulate uncommon, distinctive, or limited-edition gadgets. They’re keen to pay premium costs for merchandise that possess collectible worth. Advertising methods concentrating on this demographic emphasize the restricted availability, distinctive design components, and potential for future appreciation. Design decisions could incorporate unique paintings, numbered editions, and premium packaging. Examples embrace collaborations with artists identified for his or her work within the popular culture discipline and participation in collectible conventions. The implications are increased preliminary costs and a give attention to product rarity.

  • Fans of Halloween and Seasonal Decor (Varied Ages)

    This section seeks merchandise that improve their enjoyment of the Halloween season. They’re interested in gadgets which might be visually interesting, festive, and align with their private aesthetic preferences. Advertising campaigns for this demographic emphasize the seasonal relevance of the product and its suitability for ornamental show. Design issues prioritize eye-catching graphics, vibrant colours, and themed packaging. Examples embrace partnerships with retailers specializing in seasonal merchandise and participation in Halloween-themed occasions. The implications embrace a give attention to visible attraction and seasonal relevance.

The convergence of those numerous demographics underscores the multi-faceted attraction of a Halloween-themed Care Bears container. Tailoring product design and advertising methods to deal with the particular wants and wishes of every section is crucial for maximizing market penetration and reaching sustained gross sales success. Ignoring any of those key viewers segments would lead to diminished market potential and missed income alternatives.

Often Requested Questions

The next part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the acquisition, valuation, and care of Halloween-themed Care Bears consuming vessels.

Query 1: What elements contribute to the resale worth of a classic container that includes the Care Bears celebrating Halloween?

The worth of a classic Halloween-themed Care Bears container is influenced by its situation, rarity, and the presence of unique packaging. Pristine situation, restricted manufacturing runs, and inclusion of the unique field or tags considerably improve its worth throughout the collector market.

Query 2: How can authenticity of a licensed Halloween-themed Care Bears container be verified?

Authenticity might be verified by analyzing the presence of official licensing marks, usually discovered on the underside of the vessel. Comparability with identified real examples and scrutiny of the printing high quality and materials composition are additionally really useful.

Query 3: What are the really useful cleansing procedures for sustaining the aesthetic integrity of a collectible ceramic Halloween Care Bears vessel?

Hand washing with gentle cleaning soap and water is really useful to stop injury to the ornamental components. Keep away from abrasive cleaners and dishwashers, as these could cause fading or chipping of the design. Correct storage away from direct daylight minimizes discoloration.

Query 4: What materials compositions are commonest within the manufacturing of those Halloween-themed Care Bears collectibles?

Ceramic, notably stoneware and porcelain, represents the commonest materials. Restricted editions could function glass or polymer parts within the deal with or lid. The selection of fabric impacts each sturdiness and aesthetic attraction.

Query 5: How does restricted manufacturing quantity have an effect on the long-term market worth of a Halloween-themed Care Bears container?

Restricted manufacturing runs usually lead to elevated shortage, driving up demand and consequently elevating the market worth over time. Collectors actively search out uncommon or limited-edition gadgets, contributing to their long-term appreciation in worth.

Query 6: What particular design components distinguish a real Halloween-themed Care Bears container from generic merchandise?

Real Halloween-themed Care Bears vessels incorporate particular vacation motifs, corresponding to pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and characters in Halloween costumes. These components are built-in with the established Care Bears model id, creating a singular and recognizable seasonal product.

In essence, sustaining the worth and authenticity of those festive items requires diligence and cautious consideration to element.

The next part will supply insights into the funding potential of those collectible items.

Beneficial Insights for Care Bears Halloween Mug Acquisitions

The next suggestions supply sensible steering for people looking for to accumulate and preserve Halloween-themed Care Bears containers, whether or not for assortment, funding, or private enjoyment.

Tip 1: Analysis Manufacturing Numbers: Examine the manufacturing quantity of the specified merchandise. Restricted version items with verifiable documentation usually command increased costs. Seek the advice of collector boards and on-line databases for correct manufacturing figures.

Tip 2: Prioritize Situation Evaluation: Completely look at the merchandise for any indicators of injury, together with chips, cracks, fading, or staining. Imperfections considerably scale back the worth. Request detailed images or, if attainable, conduct a bodily inspection prior to buy.

Tip 3: Authenticate Licensing Marks: Confirm the presence of official licensing marks from the Care Bears franchise proprietor. These marks usually seem on the underside or facet of the mug and function proof of licensed manufacturing.

Tip 4: Assess Design Uniqueness: Consider the distinctiveness of the Halloween-themed design. Gadgets that includes uncommon character variations or unconventional vacation motifs are typically extra fascinating to collectors. Examine the design to identified variations and prototypes.

Tip 5: Protect Unique Packaging: Every time attainable, purchase the merchandise with its unique packaging, together with bins, tags, and certificates of authenticity. Unique packaging enhances the merchandise’s presentation and bolsters its collectibility.

Tip 6: Implement Correct Storage: Retailer the container in a cool, dry, and darkish atmosphere to stop fading, discoloration, and materials degradation. Keep away from extended publicity to direct daylight or excessive temperatures.

Tip 7: Preserve Diligent Cleansing Practices: Clear the container by hand utilizing gentle cleaning soap and water. Abrasive cleaners and dishwashers can injury the ornamental components. Light cleansing practices protect the merchandise’s aesthetic integrity.

Adherence to those pointers facilitates knowledgeable buying selections and ensures the long-term preservation of acquired gadgets. A strategic method to acquisition and upkeep maximizes the potential for each assortment and funding worth.

The concluding part will summarize the important thing factors of this evaluation and supply a remaining perspective on the importance of this collectible.

Conclusion

This exploration has illuminated the multifaceted nature of the “care bears halloween mug.” From its nostalgic attraction and potential for collectibility to the essential function of seasonal designs, character variations, materials composition, and licensing agreements, this seasonal merchandise embodies a posh interaction of things influencing its market worth and client desirability. The research of manufacturing portions, goal demographics, and finest practices for acquisition and upkeep additional underscores the strategic issues concerned in each buying and preserving these commemorative objects.

The confluence of well-liked tradition, seasonal celebration, and market dynamics makes the “care bears halloween mug” a topic of ongoing curiosity. Continued analysis of evolving client tendencies and market forces can be important for understanding its enduring significance as a collectible artifact. Cautious statement and diligent record-keeping are needed for anybody looking for to understand the long-term worth and cultural relevance of this distinctive seasonal product.