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Starbucks Internationalisation Process

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PRICING

SEPT 2011 Q1 b)
(i) If the actual direct material cost per unit were lower than expected then the effect of this would be to reduce the variable cost and hence the marginal cost per unit. There would be no change to the price equation but this would impact on the solution of the optimal selling price and quantity, the result of which would be to lower the selling price and thus increase the quantity sold. The opposite would apply if the direct material cost per unit were to increase.

(ii) Any change in the fixed overhead cost would have no effect on the optimal selling price and quantity sold.

May 2011 Q1 b)
(b)
There are many reasons why this price may not be used (candidates are expected to explain two).
• There …show more content…

It further assumes that the profit maximising point occurs at one of the data points provided when in fact it could be slightly higher or slightly lower than the price of $130. Also the market research may not be accurate and the estimates of cost may be incorrect.
(b)
(i) Explain the alternative pricing strategies that may be adopted when launching a new product.
(6 marks)
(ii) Recommend a pricing strategy to the company for its new product and explain how the adoption of your chosen strategy would affect the sales revenue, costs and profits of this product over its life cycle.

When launching a new product there are two alternative strategies that may be adopted. These are known as:
• Market skimming; and
• Market penetration

(i) Market skimming is the strategy of charging a very high price for the item which has the effect of only being acceptable to a small part of the market, hence the term skimming meaning taking the top layer of the market. It is only possible to use this strategy for goods and services that are unique and have a very high esteem value.
Market penetration is the strategy of using a price that is low enough to gain significant market share before your competitors are able to establish themselves in the market.

(ii) This company is launching a new product that is unique and, therefore, the company could adopt a

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