Describe the difference between a product line and a product mix.

• A. A product line is a group of related products; product mix is the total assortment a firm offers.
• B. Product line is the total assortment; product mix is a group of related products.
• C. A product line refers to services; product mix refers to goods.
• D. A product line is the price range; product mix is the distribution method.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is about scope. A product line is a group of related products designed to meet a specific need or appeal to a particular customer segment. For example, a footwear company might offer a line of athletic sneakers, which includes running shoes, basketball shoes, and training shoes—these are all related and share a common purpose.

The product mix, on the other hand, is the entire range of products that the company offers across all lines. It includes every product category the firm sells, such as athletic footwear, dress shoes, sandals, socks, and related accessories. So the mix is broader than any single line and represents the full assortment.

That option is the best because it accurately distinguishes between a focused cluster of related products and the complete set of products a company provides. Other descriptions mix up the scope or categories—for instance, treating the line as the total assortment or confusing services with goods—so they don’t capture the true relationship between line and mix.