Pricing

 

'Pricing Policy'
Standard procedure used by a firm to set wholesale and retail prices for its products or services.
objectives of the Price Policy
The following are to be considered while fixing the prices of the product.
1. Profit maximization in the short term
The primary objective of the firm is to maximize its profits. Pricing policy as an instrument to achieve this objective should be formulated in such a way as to maximize the sales revenue and profit. Maximum profit refers to the highest possible of profit. In the short run, a firm not only should be able to recover its total costs, but also should get excess revenue over costs. This will build the morale of the firm and instill the spirit of confidence in its operations. It may follow skimming price policy, i.e., charging a very high price when the product is launched to cater to the needs of only a few sections of people. It may exploit wide opportunities in the beginning. But it may prove fatal in the long run. It may lose its customers and business in the market. Alternatively, it may adopt penetration pricing policy i.e., charging a relatively lower price in the latter stages in the long run so as to attract more customers and capture the market.
2. Profit optimization in the long run
The traditional profit maximization hypothesis may not prove beneficial in the long run. With the sole motive of profit making a firm may resort to several kinds of unethical practices like charging exorbitant prices, follow Monopoly Trade Practices (MTP), Restrictive Trade Practices (RTP) and Unfair Trade Practices (UTP) etc. This may lead to opposition from the people. In order to over come these evils, a firm instead of profit maximization, aims at profit optimization.
Optimum
profit refers to the most ideal or desirable level of profit.Hence, earning the most
reasonable or optimum profit has become a part and parcel of a sound pricing policy of a firm in recent years.
3. Price Stabilization
Price... [continues]

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