Marketing Mix and pricing

Marketing Mix is a combination of marketing tools that a company uses to

satisfy their target customers and achieving organizational goals. McCarthy
classified all these marketing tools under four broad categories:
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Product
Price
Place
Promotion
These four elements are the basic components of a marketing plan and are
collectively called 4 Ps of marketing. 4 Ps pertain more to physical products
than services. Below is an illustration for marketing mix.

The important thing to note is that all these four Ps (variable) are controllable,
subject to internal and external constraints of marketing environment.
Marketers, using different blends of these variables, can target different group
of customers having different needs. So, a customer may call marketing mix
the offering.
Product
Product is the actual offering by the company to its targeted customers which
also includes value added stuff. Product may be tangible (goods) or intangible
(services).
 While formulating the marketing strategy, product decisions include:
What to offer?
Brand name
Packaging
Quality
Appearance
Functionality
Accessories
Installation
After sale services
Warranty
Price
Price includes the pricing strategy of the company for its products. How much
customer should pay for a product? Pricing strategy not only related to the
profit margins but also helps in finding target customers. Pricing decision also
influence the choice of marketing channels. Price decisions include:
Pricing Strategy (Penetration, Skim, etc)
List Price
payment period
Discounts
Financing
Credit terms
Using price as a weapon for rivals is as old as mankind. but its risky too.
Consumers are often sensitive for price, discounts and additional offers.
Another aspect of pricing is that expensive products are considered of good
quality.
Place (Placement)
It not only includes the place where the product is placed, all those activities
performed by the company to ensure the availability of the product tot he
targeted customers. Availability of the product at the right place, at the right
time and in the right quantity is crucial in placement decisions.
Placement decisions include:
Placement
Distribution channels
Logistics
Inventory
Order processing
 Market coverage
selection of channel members
Promotion
Promotion includes all communication and selling activities to pursuade future
prospects to buy the product. Promotion decisions include:
Advertising
Media Types
Message
Budgets
Sales promotion
Personal selling
Public relations
Direct marketing
As these costs are huge as compared to product price, So its good to perform a
break-even analysis before allocating the budget. It helps in determining
whether the new customers are worth of promotion cost or not.
It often takes time and requires market research to develop a successful
marketing mix. You should not depend on one mix always try new mixes. While
designing the mix, make changes to all mixes in such a way that all conveys the
same message. Dont confuse your customers by just changing one variable and
keeping the rest same.
Limitation of Marketing Mix
Marketing mix (4 Ps) was more useful in early 19s when production concept ws
in and physical products were in larger proportion. Today, with latest marketing
concepts, marketing environment has become more intergrated. So, in order to
extend the usefulness of marketing mix, some authors introduced a fifth P and
then seven Ps (People, Packaging, Process). But the foundation of Marketing
Mix still stands on the basic 4Ps.

Market Segmentation
Market segmentation can be defined as the process of dividing a market into
different homogeneous groups of consumers.
Market consists of buyers and buyers vary from each other in different ways.
Variation depends upon different factors like wants, resources, buying attitude,
locations, and buying practices. By segmentation, large heterogeneous markets
are divided into smaller segments that can be managed more efficiently and
 effectively with products and services that match to their unique needs.
So, market segmentation is beneficial for the companies serving larger markets.
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Criteria for selecting Market Segments
Measurable
A segment should be measurable. It means you should be able to tell how many
potential customers and how many businesses are out there in the segment.
Accessible
A segment should be accessible through channels of communication and
distribution like: sales force, transportation, distributors, telecom, or internet.
Durable
Segment should not have frequent changes attribute in it.
Substantial
Make sure that size of your segment is large enough to warrant as a segment and
large enough to be profitable
Unique Needs
Segments should be different in their response to different marketing efforts
(Marketing Mix).
Consumer and business markets cannot be segmented on the bases of same
variables because of their inherent differences.
Bases for Consumer Market Segmentation
There are number of variables involved in consumer market segmentation, alone
and in combination. These variables are:
Geographic variables
Demographic variables
Psychographic variables
Behavioral variables
Geographic Segmentation
In geographical segmentation, market is divided into different geographical
units like:
Regions (by country, nation, state, neighborhood)
Population Density (Urban, suburban, rural)
City size (Size of area, population size and growth rate)
Climate (Regions having similar climate pattern)
A company, either serving a few or all geographic segments, needs to put
attention on variability of geographic needs and wants. After segmenting
 consumer market on geographic bases, companies localize their marketing efforts
(product, advertising, promotion and sales efforts).
Demographic Segmentation
In demographic segmentation, market is divided into small segments based on
demographic variables like:
Age
Gender
Income
Occupation
Education
Social Class
Generation
Family size
Family life cycle
Home Ownership
Religion
Ethnic group/Race
Nationality
Demographic factors are most important factors for segmenting the customers
groups. Consumer needs, wants, usage rate these all depend upon demographic
variables. So, considering demographic factors, while defining marketing strategy,
is crucial.
Psychographic Segmentation
In Psychographic Segmentation, segments are defined on the basis of social class,
lifestyle and personality characteristics.
Psychographic variables include:
Interests
Opinions
Personality
Self Image
Activities
Values
Attitudes
A segment having demographically grouped consumers may have different
psychographic characteristics.
Behavioral Segmentation
 In this segmentation market is divided into segments based on consumer
knowledge, attitude, use or response to product.
Behavioral variables include:
Usage Rate
Product benefits
Brand Loyalty
Price Consciousness
Occasions (holidays like mothers day, New Year and Eid)
User Status (First Time, Regular or Potential)
Behavioral segmentation is considered most favorable segmentation tool as it
uses those variables that are closely related to the product itself.
Bases for Business Market Segmentation
Business market can be segmented on the bases consumer market variables but
because of many inherent differences like
Businesses are few but purchase in bulk
Evaluate in depth
Joint decisions are made
Business market might be segmented on the bases of following variables:
Company Size: what company sizes should we serve?
Industry: Which industry to serve?
Purchasing approaches: Purchasing-function organization, Nature of existing
relationships, purchase policies and criteria.
Product usage
Situational factors: seasonal trend, urgency: should serve companies needing
quick order deliver, Order: focus on large orders or small.
Geographic: Regional industrial growth rate, Customer concentration, and
international macroeconomic factors.

Product Life Cycle (PLC)

A new product passes through set of stages known as product life cycle.
Product life cycle applies to both brand and category of products. Its time
period vary from product to product. Modern product life cycles are
becoming shorter and shorter as products in mature stages are being
renewed by market segmentation and product differentiation.
Companies always attempt to maximize the profit and revenues over the
entire life cycle of a product. In order to achieving the desired level of
profit, the introduction of the new product at the proper time is crucial. If
 new product is appealing to consumer and no stiff competition is out there,
company can charge high prices and earn high profits.
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Stages of Product Life Cycle
Product life cycle comprises four stages:
1. Introduction stage
2. Growth stage
3. Maturity stage
4. Decline stage

Product Life Cycle (PLC)

1. Introduction stage
Product is introduced in the market with intention to build a clear identity
and heavy promotion is done for maximum awareness. Before actual
offering of the product to customers, product passes through product
development, involves prototype and market tests. Companies incur more
costs in this phase and also bear additional cost for distribution. On the
other hand, there are a few customers at this stage, means low sales
volume. So, during introductory stage companys profits shows a negative
figure because of huge cost but low sales volume.
At introduction stage, the company core focus is on establishing a market
and arising demand for the product. So, the impact on marketing mix is as
follows:
 Product
Branding, Quality level and intellectual property and protections are
obtained to stimulate consumers for the entire product category. Product is
under more consideration, as first impression is the last impression.
Price
High(skim) pricing is used for making high profits with intention to cover
initial cost in a short period and low pricing is used to penetrate and gain
the market share. company choice of pricing strategy depends on their
goals.
Place
Distribution at this stage is usually selective and scattered.
Promotion
At introductory stage, promotion is done with intention to build brand
awareness. Samples/trials are provided that is fruitful in attracting early
adopters and potential customers. Promotional programs are more
essential in this phase. It is as much important as to produce the product
because it positions the product.
2. Growth Stage
In this stage, companys sales and profits starts increasing and competition
also begin to increase. The product becomes well recognized at this stage
and some of the buyers repeat the purchase patterns. During this stage,
firms focus on brand preference and gaining market share. It is market
acceptance stage. But due to competition, company invest more in
advertisement to convince customers so profits may decline near the end
of growth stage.
Affect on 4 Ps of marketing is as under:
Product
Along with maintaining the existing quality, new features and
improvements in product quality may be done. All this is done to compete
and maintain the market share.
Price
Price is maintained or may increase as company gets high demand at low
competition or it may be reduced to grasp more customers.
Distribution
Distribution becomes more significant with the increase demand and
acceptability of product. More channels are added for intensive distribution
 in order to meet increasing demand. On the other hand resellers start
getting interested in the product, so trade discounts are also minimal.
Promotion
At growth stage, promotion is increased. When acceptability of product
increases, more efforts are made for brand preference and loyalty.
3. Maturity stage
At maturity stage, brand awareness is strong so sale continues to grow but
at a declining rate as compared to past. At this stage, there are more
competitors with the same products. So, companies defend the market
share and extending product life cycle, rather than making the profits, By
offering sales promotions to encourage retailer to give more shelf space to
the product than that of competitors. At this stage usually loyal customers
make purchases.
Marketing mix decisions include:
product
At maturity stage, companies add features and modify the product in order
to compete in market and differentiate the product from competition. At
this stage, it is best way to get dominance over competitors and increase
market share.
Price
Because of intense competition, at maturity stage, price is reduced in order
to compete. It attracts the price conscious segment and retain the
customers.
Distribution
New channels are added to face intense competition and incentives are
offered to retailers to get shelf preference over competitors.
Promotion
Promotion is done in order to create product differentiation and loyalty.
Incentives are also offered to attract more customers.
4. Decline stage
Decline in sales, change in trends and unfavorable economic conditions
explains decline stage. At this stage market becomes saturated so sales
declines. It may also be due technical obsolescence or customer taste has
been changed.
At decline stage company has three options:
1. Maintain the product, Reduce cost and finding new uses of product.
 2. Harvest the product by reducing marketing cost and continue offering the
product to loyal niche until zero profit.
3. Discontinue the product when theres no profit or a successor is available.
Selling out to competitors who want to keep the product.
At declining stage, marketing mix decisions depends on companys strategy.
For example, if company want to harvest, the product will remain same and
price will be reduced. In case of liquidation, supply will be reduced
dramatically.
Limitations of Product Life Cycle (PLC)
Product life cycle is criticized that it has no empirical support and it is not
fruitful in special cases. Different products have different properties so
their life cycle also vary. It shows that product life cycle is not best tool to
predict the sales. Sometimes managerial decisions affect the life of
products in this case Product Life Cycle is not playing any role. product life
cycle is very fruitful for larger firms and corporations but it is not hundred
percent accurate tool to predict the life cycle and sales of products in all the
situations.

Pricing is one of the four elements of the marketing mix, along with product,
place and promotion. Pricing strategy is important for companies who wish to
achieve success by finding the price point where they can maximize sales and
profits. Companies may use a variety of pricing strategies, depending on their
own unique marketing goals and objectives.
Premium Pricing
Premium pricing strategy establishes a price higher than the competitors. It's a
strategy that can be effectively used when there is something unique about the
product or when the product is first to market and the business has a distinct
competitive advantage. Premium pricing can be a good strategy for companies
entering the market with a new market and hoping to maximize revenue during
the early stages of the product life cycle.
Penetration Pricing
A penetration pricing strategy is designed to capture market share by entering the
market with a low price relative to the competition to attract buyers. The idea is
that the business will be able to raise awareness and get people to try the
product. Even though penetration pricing may initially create a loss for the
company, the hope is that it will help to generate word-of-mouth and create
awareness amid a crowded market category.
Economy Pricing
Economy pricing is a familiar pricing strategy for organizations that include Wal-
Mart, whose brand is based on this strategy. Aldi, a food store, is another
example of economy pricing strategy. Companies take a very basic, low-cost
approach to marketing--nothing fancy, just the bare minimum to keep prices low
and attract a specific segment of the market that is very price sensitive.
Price Skimming
Businesses that have a significant competitive advantage can enter the market
with a price skimming strategy designed to gain maximum revenue advantage
before other competitors begin offering similar products or product alternatives.
Psychological Pricing
Psychological pricing strategy is commonly used by marketers in the prices they
establish for their products. For instance, $99 is psychologically "less" in the minds
of consumers than $100. It's a minor distinction that can make a big difference.