A critical factor in any business is developing an effective pricing policy that will maximize profits. Maximum profit does not necessarily result from selling goods at the highest possible profit margins. There is a relationship between the price, volume sold, cost of merchandise, and operational expenses that ultimately determines profitability.
In many cases a price increase will result in lowering the total number of sales, but this doesn't necessarily mean lower total profits. In some case profit may actually be increased if sales volume does not drop to drastically. The reverse is also true. Lowering the price of goods will often increase the total number of sales but if sales are not increased enough total profits may be less.
An important factor in any pricing decision is to know the actual cost of doing business and the cost of each product sold. Determining the actual cost of doing business necessitates careful, accurate analysis. Of course, no one would be expected to calculate the cost of doing business with complete accuracy. You just need a fairly close working number.
It does, however, need to be fairly accurate since failing to calculate all actual costs properly to ensure that the profit margin is enough to cover those costs is a frequent cause of business failure. Many business owners actually end up selling their products at a loss without even knowing it.
Before setting the price on any of your products you must estimate the cost of labor, raw materials, variable overhead costs as well as research and development. As costs fluctuate over time you may need to re-evaluate these numbers to make sure they continue to be accurate.
Regardless of the strategy that is used to maximize profitability, the method for costing products is basic. It involves four main categories: Direct Material Costs, Direct Labor Costs, Overhead Expenses and Profit Desired.
You can determine an items minimum acceptable price by combining these four factors. For a more thorough explanation of these factors visit the resource listed at the end of this article.
Of course, pricing your product to achieve some level of profit is only one of the factors that needs to be considered in a business plan. Once you have figured out your costs, your break even point and your minimum profit requirements you will also want to consider your sales strategy. To succeed in a competitive market most businesses use three major sales strategies (sometimes all at the same time).
Many considerations go into determining product selling prices. Some businesses seek to compete on price others do not by finding a un- or under-occupied market niche. This can be a more certain path to business success. The important point to remember is that all factors affecting price must be recognized and analyzed for their costs as well as their benefits.
In many cases a price increase will result in lowering the total number of sales, but this doesn't necessarily mean lower total profits. In some case profit may actually be increased if sales volume does not drop to drastically. The reverse is also true. Lowering the price of goods will often increase the total number of sales but if sales are not increased enough total profits may be less.
An important factor in any pricing decision is to know the actual cost of doing business and the cost of each product sold. Determining the actual cost of doing business necessitates careful, accurate analysis. Of course, no one would be expected to calculate the cost of doing business with complete accuracy. You just need a fairly close working number.
It does, however, need to be fairly accurate since failing to calculate all actual costs properly to ensure that the profit margin is enough to cover those costs is a frequent cause of business failure. Many business owners actually end up selling their products at a loss without even knowing it.
Before setting the price on any of your products you must estimate the cost of labor, raw materials, variable overhead costs as well as research and development. As costs fluctuate over time you may need to re-evaluate these numbers to make sure they continue to be accurate.
Regardless of the strategy that is used to maximize profitability, the method for costing products is basic. It involves four main categories: Direct Material Costs, Direct Labor Costs, Overhead Expenses and Profit Desired.
You can determine an items minimum acceptable price by combining these four factors. For a more thorough explanation of these factors visit the resource listed at the end of this article.
Of course, pricing your product to achieve some level of profit is only one of the factors that needs to be considered in a business plan. Once you have figured out your costs, your break even point and your minimum profit requirements you will also want to consider your sales strategy. To succeed in a competitive market most businesses use three major sales strategies (sometimes all at the same time).
Many considerations go into determining product selling prices. Some businesses seek to compete on price others do not by finding a un- or under-occupied market niche. This can be a more certain path to business success. The important point to remember is that all factors affecting price must be recognized and analyzed for their costs as well as their benefits.
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For a more complete explanation of how to develop your pricing approach along with examples and the 3 primary sales strategies most businesses use to develop a profitable pricing strategy visit the Top Business Resources Site.
