Penetration pricing is a pricing strategy in which a company initially sets a low price for a product or service in order to quickly gain a large market share. This strategy is often used by companies when introducing a new product or entering a new market. The goal of penetration pricing is to establish the product or service as a strong competitor and deter other companies from entering the market.
There are several benefits to using a penetration pricing policy. First, it can help a company quickly gain a large market share by attracting price-sensitive customers. These customers are attracted to the low price and may be willing to try the product or service even if they have not heard of the company before. This can be especially useful for companies entering a new market where they may not have a strong brand presence.
Second, penetration pricing can help a company build a loyal customer base. Once a customer has tried the product or service and found it to be of good quality, they may be more likely to continue using it in the future. This can be especially valuable for companies that offer consumable products or services, as it can lead to repeat business.
Third, penetration pricing can help a company deter competitors from entering the market. If a company establishes a low price for its product or service, it may make it difficult for competitors to enter the market and offer a similar product or service at a lower price. This can give the company a competitive advantage and help it maintain a strong market share.
There are also some potential drawbacks to using a penetration pricing policy. First, it can be difficult for a company to increase prices once it has established a low price in the market. Customers may become accustomed to the low price and resist paying more for the product or service. This can make it difficult for the company to increase its profits.
Second, penetration pricing may also result in lower profit margins for the company in the short term. By setting a low price for its product or service, the company may not be able to recoup its costs as quickly. This can be especially problematic for companies that have high fixed costs, such as those that manufacture products.
In conclusion, penetration pricing is a pricing strategy that can be effective for companies introducing a new product or entering a new market. It can help a company quickly gain a large market share and build a loyal customer base. However, it can also result in lower profit margins in the short term and may make it difficult for the company to increase prices in the future.