What statement best defines indirect competitors?

• A. Other businesses that sell products that are different from a business but are similar enough that their products could satisfy the same need
• B. Other businesses that sell the same or similar products or services that a company sells
• C. Businesses that have the same or similar revenue
• D. Businesses that have the same or similar investors

Answer: (A)

Indirect competitors are businesses that compete for the same customer need but offer different products or solutions. They don’t sell the exact same item, yet their offerings could satisfy the same purpose for a customer. For example, a cafe and a bakery or a smoothie bar both address the need for a quick, satisfying snack or caffeine boost, even though their products aren’t identical. Recognizing this broader set of alternatives helps a business understand what customers might choose besides its own offering, which is crucial for positioning, messaging, and strategy.

The other options describe direct competitors—those selling the same or very similar products. A statement about revenue or investors isn’t about competition types at all, so it doesn’t capture how customers decide between different ways to meet the same need.