Price is the monetary value that you charge to cover the cost of the product plus the other costs associated with the product, such as labor cost, promotional cost, etc., plus a profit. The decision on pricing would make or break your business. Price also conveys the message to the consumers that indicates the price-quality relationship: The higher the price, the better the quality.
Pricing Methods
Prices are determined
by the customers
demand
The price is not based on production costs, but by the demand in the
market.
Example:
For some hotels, since their main target markets are business
travelers, they find it difficult to fill up their rooms during weekends. As a demand-driven pricing technique, some hotels tend to offer weekend getaway package at a special rate to fill up the hotel rooms.
Value pricing
It is focus on the consumer’s perception of good value for the money they pay for the product/service they receive.
Example:
Some people are willing to pay for $5,000 a night at a five-star hotel
for the elegant lobby, the luxurious-designed room and personalized
service; however, some people are only willing to pay for $500 a
night at a motel or a three star hotel just for a basic, clean room.
Negotiated pricing
It is often use in the hospitality industry. Price is open for negotiation, you may not have to pay for the fixed amount given the right timing.
Example:
A couple plans to have their wedding banquet at a hotel. With a
budget of $500 per guest, they may discuss with the caterer and
negotiate for the menu items and service level they want at an
agreeable price.
Quantity discounts
These are frequently given to customers who purchase a large amount of a product or service.
Example:
Each year, travel agencies will get discounts for group rates on hotel
rooms, air-tickets as a promise for a pre-determined volume.
Cash discounts
They are given to the customers when they make a cash purchase for a product or service. The seller can use the money to invest and make money, which something the seller misses out on when allowing creditors a long time to pay.
Example:
In hospitality industry, suppliers often offer cash discount of up to
10% to companies for prompt payment of invoices, usually within 30 days.
Seasonal discounts
They are widely used by hotels, resorts and airlines, discounts are
given during times when the demand is low.
Example:
Airlines offering off-season rates for air tickets during school year.
The airfare is cheaper when compare to summer holiday where
families travel with their school-aged children.
Two-part pricing
It is the two different components of the total price paid.
Example:
You have a membership for the club house of the apartment that you
live. The membership fee usually consists of the initial fee as well as a fixed monthly dues to use the facilities.
Pricing by priority
It usually implies for those customers who are paying the most to be
among the group of first priority.
Examples:
Airline ticket seats and concert tickets, where prices are initially high, but eventually will get lower as time approaches the take-off time or curtain time. The company would drop the prices may be
considerably at the end so it can sell the remaining places or seats to
last minute bargain-hunting travelers.
Price bundling
It is two or more products or services being combined together and
sell as a package.
Example:
Visit Macau package is a good example: The price of the trip includes a round-trip of TurboJet, hotel accommodation, free shuttle bus to and from the hotel and free half-day tour to the local attractions. It is priced less than if they are purchased separately.
To find the optimum pricing for your product or service is not an easy task. In addition to the material cost and other costs that associated with it, you must find a price level that the market would bear. In other words, pricing will depend on the competition and also the supply and demand situation of the market.