Sunday, November 30, 2008

Developing a Pricing Policy

By Arman Sharpe

The pricing policy you use in your business is an important factor when it comes to overall profitability. Selling goods at the highest possible profit margin does not necessarily generate the maximum profit. The maximum profit is the result of many factors including sales volume, product cost, operating costs and, of course, price.

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.

When it comes to making a pricing determination, the first factor you need to know is the cost of doing business as well as the product's cost per unit. This may require some detailed research and analysis to come up with some accurate estimates. You will not be able to determine these numbers with 100% accuracy, but it should be as close as possible.

Your estimates need to be accurate enough that you can be assured you are pricing your products at a profit and not a loss. Underestimating actual costs involved in their products and overhead is a root cause for the failure of many businesses. You don't want to find out after the fact that you have actually been selling your products at a loss.

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.

Combining these factors allows you to calculate an item's minimum sales price. A detailed explanation of this method can be found at the resource listed below.

Product cost, break even points and minimum acceptable profit estimates are only one element in creating a profitable business plan. After you have determined these numbers you will also need to decide on the most effective sales strategy. There are three main sales strategies that are common in business. By using one or all of these strategies you can develop a final pricing plan that will allow you to compete in your market most effectively.

Determining a products price involves many considerations. Even though many businesses try to compete on price alone this is not the only option. Often a business can avoid price wars by finding a market niche that is not being served well enough or by offering a more effective solution. No matter which approach you take, however, it is essential that you recognize and fully analyze all of the costs involved in your product to determine it's pricing. - 15254

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