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Factors of Pricing - Pricing Decision, Marketing Management | Marketing Management - B Com PDF Download

Factors affecting Price of a Product
The pricing decisions for a product are affected by internal and external factors.

A. Internal Factors:

1. Cost:
While fixing the prices of a product, the firm should consider the cost involved in producing the product. This cost includes both the variable and fixed costs. Thus, while fixing the prices, the firm must be able to recover both the variable and fixed costs.

2. The predetermined objectives:
While fixing the prices of the product, the marketer should con­sider the objectives of the firm. For instance, if the objective of a firm is to increase return on investment, then it may charge a higher price, and if the objective is to capture a large market share, then it may charge a lower price.

3. Image of the firm:
The price of the product may also be determined on the basis of the image of the firm in the market. For instance, HUL and Procter & Gamble can demand a higher price for their brands, as they enjoy goodwill in the market.

4. Product life cycle:
The stage at which the product is in its product life cycle also affects its price. For instance, during the introductory stage the firm may charge lower price to attract the custom­ers, and during the growth stage, a firm may increase the price.

5. Credit period offered:
The pricing of the product is also affected by the credit period offered by the company. Longer the credit period, higher may be the price, and shorter the credit period, lower may be the price of the product.

6. Promotional activity:
The promotional activity undertaken by the firm also determines the price. If the firm incurs heavy advertising and sales promotion costs, then the pricing of the product shall be kept high in order to recover the cost.


B. External Factors:

1. Competition:
While fixing the price of the product, the firm needs to study the degree of competi­tion in the market. If there is high competition, the prices may be kept low to effectively face the competition, and if competition is low, the prices may be kept high.

2. Consumers:
The marketer should consider various consumer factors while fixing the prices. The consumer factors that must be considered includes the price sensitivity of the buyer, purchasing power, and so on.

3. Government control:
Government rules and regulation must be considered while fixing the prices. In certain products, government may announce administered prices, and therefore the mar­keter has to consider such regulation while fixing the prices.

4. Economic conditions:
The marketer may also have to consider the economic condition prevail­ing in the market while fixing the prices. At the time of recession, the consumer may have less money to spend, so the marketer may reduce the prices in order to influence the buying decision of the consumers.

5. Channel intermediaries:
The marketer must consider a number of channel intermediaries and their expectations. The longer the chain of intermediaries, the higher would be the prices of the goods.

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FAQs on Factors of Pricing - Pricing Decision, Marketing Management - Marketing Management - B Com

1. What are the key factors that influence pricing decisions?
Ans. Pricing decisions are influenced by various factors, including: - Cost of production: The cost of producing the product or service is a significant factor in determining its price. It includes direct costs (materials, labor) and indirect costs (overhead expenses). - Competition: The competitive landscape plays a crucial role in pricing decisions. Companies need to consider the prices set by their competitors to avoid being overpriced or underpriced in the market. - Consumer demand: Understanding consumer demand is vital for pricing decisions. If the product or service is in high demand, companies can set higher prices, whereas if the demand is low, prices may need to be adjusted accordingly. - Value perception: The perceived value of the product or service in the eyes of the customers influences pricing decisions. Companies often use strategies such as product differentiation or branding to enhance value perception and justify higher prices. - Marketing objectives: Pricing decisions should align with the overall marketing objectives of the company. For example, if the objective is to penetrate a new market, setting a lower price may be necessary to attract customers and gain market share.
2. How does pricing impact the marketing management process?
Ans. Pricing has a significant impact on the marketing management process in several ways: - Product positioning: Pricing plays a crucial role in positioning a product or service in the market. Higher prices can create a perception of quality and exclusivity, while lower prices can position the product as affordable or value for money. - Revenue generation: Pricing directly affects the revenue generated by a company. Setting the right price can maximize revenue and profitability, while setting it too high or too low can result in lost sales or reduced profit margins. - Competitive advantage: An optimal pricing strategy can provide a competitive advantage by attracting customers and discouraging competitors. Pricing decisions should consider the competitive landscape to ensure the product or service stands out in the market. - Customer perception: Pricing impacts how customers perceive a product or service. It can influence their perception of quality, value, and even the company's image. Effective pricing strategies can enhance customer perception and build brand loyalty. - Market share: Pricing decisions can influence market share. Lower prices may attract more customers and increase market share, while higher prices may result in a smaller but more profitable customer base. Balancing price and market share is crucial in the marketing management process.
3. How does cost of production influence pricing decisions?
Ans. The cost of production has a direct impact on pricing decisions. Here's how it influences pricing: - Cost recovery: The price of a product or service must cover the cost of production to ensure profitability. If the cost of production is high, the price needs to be set accordingly to recover those costs and generate a profit. - Profit margin: The cost of production influences the profit margin a company aims to achieve. Higher production costs may require setting a higher price to maintain the desired profit margin, while lower production costs may allow for lower prices or higher profit margins. - Cost-based pricing: Companies often use cost-based pricing strategies, where they determine the price by adding a markup to the cost of production. The markup covers not only the production costs but also overhead expenses and desired profit. - Cost optimization: Understanding the cost of production can help identify areas for cost optimization. By reducing production costs, companies can either lower the price to gain a competitive advantage or maintain the price while increasing profit margins.
4. How does competition affect pricing decisions?
Ans. Competition has a significant impact on pricing decisions. Here's how it influences pricing: - Price benchmarking: Companies need to consider the prices set by their competitors to stay competitive in the market. If competitors offer similar products or services at lower prices, companies may need to adjust their prices accordingly. - Price leadership: In some industries, a dominant player sets the price, and other competitors follow suit. This price leadership strategy is common in industries where products or services are relatively homogeneous, and price becomes a key differentiating factor. - Price wars: Intense competition can lead to price wars, where competitors continuously lower their prices to gain market share. Companies need to carefully evaluate the impact of price wars on their profitability and sustainability before engaging in such strategies. - Differentiation: Pricing decisions can also be influenced by the level of differentiation a company can achieve. If a company offers unique features or superior quality, it may justify setting higher prices compared to competitors. - Competitive advantage: Pricing can provide a competitive advantage by offering a better value proposition to customers. Companies may choose to set prices strategically to position themselves as the best option in terms of quality, service, or overall value.
5. How does consumer demand impact pricing decisions?
Ans. Consumer demand plays a crucial role in pricing decisions. Here's how it influences pricing: - Demand elasticity: The elasticity of demand determines how responsive customers are to price changes. If demand is highly elastic, a small price decrease can result in a significant increase in demand, whereas inelastic demand may allow for higher prices without a significant decrease in demand. - Price sensitivity: Understanding the price sensitivity of customers helps in setting the right price. Customers who are highly price-sensitive may opt for cheaper alternatives, while those who are less price-sensitive may be willing to pay higher prices for perceived value or quality. - Market research: Conducting market research helps companies understand consumer demand and preferences. This information allows them to align pricing decisions with what customers are willing to pay for a product or service. - Competitive positioning: Pricing decisions are influenced by how companies want to position themselves in the market. If a company aims to be a premium brand, pricing may be set higher to appeal to customers seeking exclusivity or luxury. On the other hand, if the goal is to target price-conscious customers, lower prices may be necessary.
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