Page 1
5
Unit I: Introduction to Marketing Mix
CLASS X : MARKETING AND SALES
UNIT -1
MARKETING MIX
Introduction to Marketing Mix
Every business organization has to determine its Marketing Mix for the satisfaction of needs of the
customers. Marketing mix represents a combination of the marketing methods, devices and tools –
product, price, promotion and place. These elements are inter-related because decision in one will
usually affect actions in the others.
The 4P?s were formalized and developed over the years by experts to ensure the creation and
execution of a successful marketing strategy. Through the use of this tool, the attempt is to satisfy
both the customer and the seller. When properly understood and utilized, this mix has proven to a key
factor in a product?s success
Page 2
5
Unit I: Introduction to Marketing Mix
CLASS X : MARKETING AND SALES
UNIT -1
MARKETING MIX
Introduction to Marketing Mix
Every business organization has to determine its Marketing Mix for the satisfaction of needs of the
customers. Marketing mix represents a combination of the marketing methods, devices and tools –
product, price, promotion and place. These elements are inter-related because decision in one will
usually affect actions in the others.
The 4P?s were formalized and developed over the years by experts to ensure the creation and
execution of a successful marketing strategy. Through the use of this tool, the attempt is to satisfy
both the customer and the seller. When properly understood and utilized, this mix has proven to a key
factor in a product?s success
6
According to William J. Stanton, “Marketing mix is the term used to describe the combination of the
four inputs which constitute the core of a company?s marketing system, the product, the price
structure, the promotional activities and the distribution system.” A successful marketing strategy
must have a marketing mix as well as a target market for whom the marketing mix is prepared. The
marketing mix will be changing (naturally) according to changing marketingconditions and also with
changing environmental factors (technical, social, economic and political) affecting each market.If the
needs of the customers change, the marketing mix will also be changed.
Types of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix is mainly of two types.
1). Product marketing mix – Comprised of Product, Price, Place and Promotions. This marketing
mix is mainly used in case of Tangible goods.
2). Service marketing mix – The service marketing mix comprises of Product, Price, Place and
Promotions and has three further variables included which arePeople, Physical evidence and Process.
(Diagram 1)
But here in this unit we are going to discuss only the Product Marketing Mix comprising of the 4Ps.
Significance / Importance of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix represents a blending of all the four elements namely product, price, promotion and
place /physical distribution. Determination of an effective marketing mix is an important decision for
any manager of an organization. If a proper marketing mix is determined, the following benefits will
accrue to the organization.
Marketing mix helps in pursuing consumer-oriented marketing as it serves as a direct link
between the organization and its customers thus focusing on the satisfaction of the customers.
It helps in increasing the sales and earning higher profits.
Marketing mix gives consideration to the various elements of marketing system. There is a
balanced relation between these elements. For instance, the price of a product depends upon is
Page 3
5
Unit I: Introduction to Marketing Mix
CLASS X : MARKETING AND SALES
UNIT -1
MARKETING MIX
Introduction to Marketing Mix
Every business organization has to determine its Marketing Mix for the satisfaction of needs of the
customers. Marketing mix represents a combination of the marketing methods, devices and tools –
product, price, promotion and place. These elements are inter-related because decision in one will
usually affect actions in the others.
The 4P?s were formalized and developed over the years by experts to ensure the creation and
execution of a successful marketing strategy. Through the use of this tool, the attempt is to satisfy
both the customer and the seller. When properly understood and utilized, this mix has proven to a key
factor in a product?s success
6
According to William J. Stanton, “Marketing mix is the term used to describe the combination of the
four inputs which constitute the core of a company?s marketing system, the product, the price
structure, the promotional activities and the distribution system.” A successful marketing strategy
must have a marketing mix as well as a target market for whom the marketing mix is prepared. The
marketing mix will be changing (naturally) according to changing marketingconditions and also with
changing environmental factors (technical, social, economic and political) affecting each market.If the
needs of the customers change, the marketing mix will also be changed.
Types of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix is mainly of two types.
1). Product marketing mix – Comprised of Product, Price, Place and Promotions. This marketing
mix is mainly used in case of Tangible goods.
2). Service marketing mix – The service marketing mix comprises of Product, Price, Place and
Promotions and has three further variables included which arePeople, Physical evidence and Process.
(Diagram 1)
But here in this unit we are going to discuss only the Product Marketing Mix comprising of the 4Ps.
Significance / Importance of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix represents a blending of all the four elements namely product, price, promotion and
place /physical distribution. Determination of an effective marketing mix is an important decision for
any manager of an organization. If a proper marketing mix is determined, the following benefits will
accrue to the organization.
Marketing mix helps in pursuing consumer-oriented marketing as it serves as a direct link
between the organization and its customers thus focusing on the satisfaction of the customers.
It helps in increasing the sales and earning higher profits.
Marketing mix gives consideration to the various elements of marketing system. There is a
balanced relation between these elements. For instance, the price of a product depends upon is
7
features and branding, packaging etc. The different media required in promoting the product
will depend upon the product and its features. The channels of distribution will also depend
upon the nature, utility etc of the product.
Marketing mix facilitates meeting the requirement of different types of customers. Product
design, pricing, promotion and distribution will depend upon the needs and purchasing power
of the customers.
Marketing mix signifies that its four elements are closely inter-related. Decisions or changes
in one element usually affect decisions or changes in the other.
Page 4
5
Unit I: Introduction to Marketing Mix
CLASS X : MARKETING AND SALES
UNIT -1
MARKETING MIX
Introduction to Marketing Mix
Every business organization has to determine its Marketing Mix for the satisfaction of needs of the
customers. Marketing mix represents a combination of the marketing methods, devices and tools –
product, price, promotion and place. These elements are inter-related because decision in one will
usually affect actions in the others.
The 4P?s were formalized and developed over the years by experts to ensure the creation and
execution of a successful marketing strategy. Through the use of this tool, the attempt is to satisfy
both the customer and the seller. When properly understood and utilized, this mix has proven to a key
factor in a product?s success
6
According to William J. Stanton, “Marketing mix is the term used to describe the combination of the
four inputs which constitute the core of a company?s marketing system, the product, the price
structure, the promotional activities and the distribution system.” A successful marketing strategy
must have a marketing mix as well as a target market for whom the marketing mix is prepared. The
marketing mix will be changing (naturally) according to changing marketingconditions and also with
changing environmental factors (technical, social, economic and political) affecting each market.If the
needs of the customers change, the marketing mix will also be changed.
Types of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix is mainly of two types.
1). Product marketing mix – Comprised of Product, Price, Place and Promotions. This marketing
mix is mainly used in case of Tangible goods.
2). Service marketing mix – The service marketing mix comprises of Product, Price, Place and
Promotions and has three further variables included which arePeople, Physical evidence and Process.
(Diagram 1)
But here in this unit we are going to discuss only the Product Marketing Mix comprising of the 4Ps.
Significance / Importance of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix represents a blending of all the four elements namely product, price, promotion and
place /physical distribution. Determination of an effective marketing mix is an important decision for
any manager of an organization. If a proper marketing mix is determined, the following benefits will
accrue to the organization.
Marketing mix helps in pursuing consumer-oriented marketing as it serves as a direct link
between the organization and its customers thus focusing on the satisfaction of the customers.
It helps in increasing the sales and earning higher profits.
Marketing mix gives consideration to the various elements of marketing system. There is a
balanced relation between these elements. For instance, the price of a product depends upon is
7
features and branding, packaging etc. The different media required in promoting the product
will depend upon the product and its features. The channels of distribution will also depend
upon the nature, utility etc of the product.
Marketing mix facilitates meeting the requirement of different types of customers. Product
design, pricing, promotion and distribution will depend upon the needs and purchasing power
of the customers.
Marketing mix signifies that its four elements are closely inter-related. Decisions or changes
in one element usually affect decisions or changes in the other.
8
Elements of Marketing Mix or the 4 P’s
(Diagram 1)
1. Assessment
A. Fill in the blanks :
i. Marketing mix is of -------------- types.
ii. ---------------------------- is mainly used in case of tangible goods.
iii. ---------------------, -----------------------, ----------------------- are the three further variables
included in Service marketing mix.
iv. The elements of marketing mix are ------------------ to one another as decision in one
will affect the action in the other.
B. Short questions :
i. Briefly explain what is marketing mix?
ii. What is the importance of marketing mix?
C. Multiple choice questions:
i. A business's marketing mix would NOT include:
a) Product
b) Profit
c) Place
d) Promotion
e) Price
ii. Which of the following descriptions provides the best definition of the marketing mix?
a) The way products are arranged in a retail store to maximize sales
b) The way a business combines the main marketing elements to sell products
that meet the needs and wants of customers
c) The way a business distributes its products through retailers and
wholesalers
d) The way products are priced and packaged
iii. What do the 4 P's achieve when they work together?
a) Target customers
b) Profit margins
c) Creating Marketing plan
d) None of the above
Answers: A. i) Two ii) Marketing mix iii) People, process, physical evidence iv) Inter-related
C. i) b ii) b iii) a
Page 5
5
Unit I: Introduction to Marketing Mix
CLASS X : MARKETING AND SALES
UNIT -1
MARKETING MIX
Introduction to Marketing Mix
Every business organization has to determine its Marketing Mix for the satisfaction of needs of the
customers. Marketing mix represents a combination of the marketing methods, devices and tools –
product, price, promotion and place. These elements are inter-related because decision in one will
usually affect actions in the others.
The 4P?s were formalized and developed over the years by experts to ensure the creation and
execution of a successful marketing strategy. Through the use of this tool, the attempt is to satisfy
both the customer and the seller. When properly understood and utilized, this mix has proven to a key
factor in a product?s success
6
According to William J. Stanton, “Marketing mix is the term used to describe the combination of the
four inputs which constitute the core of a company?s marketing system, the product, the price
structure, the promotional activities and the distribution system.” A successful marketing strategy
must have a marketing mix as well as a target market for whom the marketing mix is prepared. The
marketing mix will be changing (naturally) according to changing marketingconditions and also with
changing environmental factors (technical, social, economic and political) affecting each market.If the
needs of the customers change, the marketing mix will also be changed.
Types of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix is mainly of two types.
1). Product marketing mix – Comprised of Product, Price, Place and Promotions. This marketing
mix is mainly used in case of Tangible goods.
2). Service marketing mix – The service marketing mix comprises of Product, Price, Place and
Promotions and has three further variables included which arePeople, Physical evidence and Process.
(Diagram 1)
But here in this unit we are going to discuss only the Product Marketing Mix comprising of the 4Ps.
Significance / Importance of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix represents a blending of all the four elements namely product, price, promotion and
place /physical distribution. Determination of an effective marketing mix is an important decision for
any manager of an organization. If a proper marketing mix is determined, the following benefits will
accrue to the organization.
Marketing mix helps in pursuing consumer-oriented marketing as it serves as a direct link
between the organization and its customers thus focusing on the satisfaction of the customers.
It helps in increasing the sales and earning higher profits.
Marketing mix gives consideration to the various elements of marketing system. There is a
balanced relation between these elements. For instance, the price of a product depends upon is
7
features and branding, packaging etc. The different media required in promoting the product
will depend upon the product and its features. The channels of distribution will also depend
upon the nature, utility etc of the product.
Marketing mix facilitates meeting the requirement of different types of customers. Product
design, pricing, promotion and distribution will depend upon the needs and purchasing power
of the customers.
Marketing mix signifies that its four elements are closely inter-related. Decisions or changes
in one element usually affect decisions or changes in the other.
8
Elements of Marketing Mix or the 4 P’s
(Diagram 1)
1. Assessment
A. Fill in the blanks :
i. Marketing mix is of -------------- types.
ii. ---------------------------- is mainly used in case of tangible goods.
iii. ---------------------, -----------------------, ----------------------- are the three further variables
included in Service marketing mix.
iv. The elements of marketing mix are ------------------ to one another as decision in one
will affect the action in the other.
B. Short questions :
i. Briefly explain what is marketing mix?
ii. What is the importance of marketing mix?
C. Multiple choice questions:
i. A business's marketing mix would NOT include:
a) Product
b) Profit
c) Place
d) Promotion
e) Price
ii. Which of the following descriptions provides the best definition of the marketing mix?
a) The way products are arranged in a retail store to maximize sales
b) The way a business combines the main marketing elements to sell products
that meet the needs and wants of customers
c) The way a business distributes its products through retailers and
wholesalers
d) The way products are priced and packaged
iii. What do the 4 P's achieve when they work together?
a) Target customers
b) Profit margins
c) Creating Marketing plan
d) None of the above
Answers: A. i) Two ii) Marketing mix iii) People, process, physical evidence iv) Inter-related
C. i) b ii) b iii) a
9
(Diagram 2)
It was the marketer E. Jerome McCarthy who proposed a four Ps classification in 1960, which has
since been used by marketers throughout the world.
A good and easy way to understand the 4Ps is by the questions that you need to ask to define your
marketing mix. Some questions that will help you understand and define each of the four elements as
given in the above diagram 2 are as under:
Product/Service
The product is either a tangible good or an intangible service that is seem to meet a specific customer
need or demand. All products follow a logical product life cycle and it is vital for marketers to
understand and plan for the various stages and their unique challenges. It is key to understand those
problems that the product is attempting to solve. The benefits offered by the product and all its
features need to be understood and the unique selling proposition of the product need to be studied. In
addition, the potential buyers of the product need to be identified and understood. Some of the
questions which will help us to understand more about the product are:
What does the customer want from the product / service? What needs does it satisfy?
What features does it have to meet these needs?
How and where will the customer use it?
What does it look like? How will customers experience it?
What size(s), color(s), and so on, should it be?
What is it to be called?
How is it branded?
How is it differentiated versus your competitors?
What is the most it can cost to provide, and still be sold sufficiently profitably?
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