Cost Plus Pricing Method Vs Market Price Method
Cost Plus Pricing Method (CPPM) and Market Price Method (MPM) are two pricing strategies used in business, used to determine the price of a product. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks and its own uses.
CPPM involves setting the price of a product based on the cost of producing it, plus a predetermined mark-up percentage. With this method, the price is set after accounting for variable and fixed costs. Some of the pros of this method include the precise calculation of a product’s value and its low associated risk as the pricing is predictable. With CPPM, it is also easy to change prices when necessary, adjusting for inflation or increased costs for a product. On the other hand, CPPM does not always reflect the competitive environment of a particular product and its pricing may be higher than that of competitors. CPPM can also be too conservative and fail to maximize profit.
Meanwhile, MPM involves setting a product’s price based on market demand and the prices of competitors. This method is used to maximize profits in a saturated market and to stay competitive, requiring frequent adjustments based on the market conditions. MPM can be beneficial as it is less labor intensive and results in prices that reflect the competitive environment. However, this method of pricing can be risky, as the market conditions can fluctuate unpredictably. Also, MPM may result in a product’s price being too low and not reflecting its true value.
Both CPPM and MPM can be used in a number of different applications and circumstances, but they do have their differences. CPPM is generally more precise in its calculation of cost, making it great for internal decision-making and assessing the profitability of a product. On the other hand, MPM is better for gauging the competitive landscape of a market and can help organizations make quick adjustments when needed. Determining which pricing method to use ultimately depends on the product and market conditions, as well as the goals of the organization.