Which of the following is NOT considered a cost of a product?

In the context of product costs, the correct answer indicates that marketing cost is typically not considered a direct cost associated with the product itself. Unit cost, logistics cost, and maintenance cost pertain directly to the expenses incurred in the production, delivery, and upkeep of the product.

Unit cost reflects the expenses tied to manufacturing a single unit, including raw materials and labor. Logistics cost encompasses the expenses involved in transporting the product from the manufacturer to the retailer or end consumer. Maintenance cost represents the costs related to servicing or repairing the product after it has been sold.

While marketing costs are essential for promoting and selling a product, they are generally classified as period costs rather than product costs. This distinction is important in understanding how costs impact financial statements and pricing strategies. Marketing costs are incurred to create demand for the product and can fluctuate based on promotional activities, but they are not intrinsic to the product’s creation or storage.