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Essay on Importance of income elasticity to firms

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INTRODUCTION In any economy, the levels of incomes of the population determine the level of demand of commodities produced and made available in that economy. The higher the income, the higher the demand of commodities and vice- versa when there is low incomes. Income elasticity is when income affects demand. This happens when income is increased in which certain goods such as inferior goods, the demand decreases. As for normal goods, the quantity demanded increases when income increases which in this case is regarded as “positive income elasticity.” Conversely, the quantity demanded for inferior goods decreases when income increases and this is referred to as “negative income elasticity.” Meanwhile, there are some normal goods which …show more content…

Mike noted that income elasticity of demand impacts on demand due to income. Since incomes keep increasing over time, so the demand pattern for various goods and services keeps changing. This matters for new firms looking to move into the market and produce something: the market for what goods or services is likely to grow the fastest? That’s the area to be in! It matters for existing firms looking to diversity, or be concerned about the prospects for the future in the area they produce and sell in. Income elasticity is important to firms because it enables the firms to determine how much consumers will pay for products they will produce. The firms make business decisions using the concept of income elasticity. Rick (2013) indicates that the income elasticity measures the relationship between sales and consumers’ incomes, according to business expert, Graeme Pietersz, at Moneyterms.co.uk. He further asserts that this can be highly evident during economic recessionary periods. People have less disposable income during recessions. Some may not have jobs at all. Hence, companies need to center their marketing strategies and decision making around the statuses of consumers’ incomes. The income elasticity affects some products and according to Rick, the consumers usually take care of their basic needs when income elasticity is high. For example, people need food, water, shelter and personal-care items. However, consumers often

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