how to cite product sheet in apa 7

2 min read 06-02-2025

Product sheets, brochures, and similar marketing materials aren't typically considered scholarly sources. However, you might need to cite one if it provides crucial information for your research or supports a point in your paper. The APA 7th edition doesn't have a specific category for product sheets. Therefore, you'll treat them as "other sources" and adapt the general guidelines accordingly. This article guides you through the process.

Understanding APA 7th Edition and Non-Traditional Sources

The American Psychological Association (APA) style guide prioritizes clarity and consistency. While it offers detailed guidance on citing traditional sources like books and journals, it also provides flexibility for less conventional materials. The key is to provide enough information for your reader to locate the source.

How to Cite a Product Sheet in APA 7th Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a breakdown of how to cite a product sheet, focusing on what information to include and how to format it correctly:

1. Identify the Necessary Information

Before you begin, gather all the relevant information about the product sheet. This usually includes:

Author or Producer: This is often the company or organization that produced the sheet. If an individual's name is prominently featured, include that instead.
Date of Publication: Look for a copyright date, publication date, or revision date. If none is available, use "n.d." (no date).
Title of the Product Sheet: Use the title as it appears on the sheet.
Retrieval Information: This is crucial for non-traditional sources. Include the URL if the sheet is available online. If it's a physical copy, you might note "Personal collection" or specify where you obtained it.

2. Formatting the In-Text Citation

The in-text citation will vary depending on whether you're paraphrasing or using a direct quote.

Paraphrasing:

(Company Name, n.d.).

Direct Quote:

"Direct quote" (Company Name, n.d., p. X). (Replace "p. X" with the page number if available. If page numbers aren't present, you might use a section heading or paragraph number).

3. Creating the Reference Entry

The reference entry goes at the end of your paper, in the "References" section. Here's the general format:

For online product sheets:

Company Name. (Year). Title of product sheet. Retrieved from [URL]

For print product sheets:

Company Name. (Year). Title of product sheet. [Location: Publisher or distributor, if applicable].

Example:

Online:

Acme Corporation. (2023). Acme Widget Model X: Product Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.acmecorp.com/widget-x-specs

Print (with publisher):

BestWidgets Inc. (2022). The Ultimate Guide to BestWidgets. New York, NY: BestWidgets Inc.

Print (without publisher, found in personal collection):

Generic Gadgets. (2021). Gadget Specifications: Model Z. Personal collection.

Important Considerations

Multiple Authors: If multiple authors are listed, follow standard APA rules for multiple authors in the reference entry.
No Author: If the author is unknown, begin the citation with the title.
Multiple Versions: If you are citing multiple versions of the same product sheet, note the relevant version in the reference.
Unreliable Sources: Be mindful of the source's reliability. If the information is questionable, consider finding alternative, more credible sources to support your claims.

Conclusion

While citing product sheets within APA 7th edition might seem challenging due to their unconventional nature, following these steps will ensure you properly attribute the information and maintain the integrity of your academic work. Remember to prioritize clarity and provide all the necessary details to enable your reader to easily locate the source. Always double-check your citations for accuracy.