What type of goods are often sold by weight?

Fungible goods are items that are interchangeable because they are essentially the same in nature and characteristics. When dealing with fungible goods, their value is determined by their quantity rather than by individual characteristics. This is particularly relevant when these goods are sold by weight, as the value reflects the aggregate amount rather than specific items, making it easier to assess their worth in large quantities.

Common examples of fungible goods include agricultural products, such as grains and beans, or commodities like oil and metals. Since these goods are uniform in quality and can easily replace one another, it makes sense for them to be sold by weight rather than by individual units. This practice streamlines transactions and eases the pricing process in marketplaces.

In contrast, unique or identified goods refer to items that have distinct features or characteristics, making them non-interchangeable. Homogeneous goods, while similar to fungible goods, might not always be sold by weight if they are not entirely interchangeable due to slight variations. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the concept of commodity transactions and how pricing is determined based on physical attributes like weight.