The Pricing Blog by Omnia Retail

Our pricing experts cover all the latest trends, Omnia pricing events, customer insights and pricing strategies on our Pricing Blog.

Developing a pricing strategy: From 'Pricing by feel' to data-driven decisions

Pricing is one of the most important, and often misunderstood, topics in retail and e-commerce. The pricing 'iceberg' goes deeper than most expect. It starts with a single question: what company aims are you trying to...

Pricing is one of the most important, and often misunderstood, topics in retail and e-commerce. The pricing 'iceberg' goes deeper than most expect. It starts with a single question: what company aims are you trying to achieve within pricing? Data-driven pricing strategies impact more than just revenue generation. They also play a vital role in shaping customer perceptions, and market competitiveness. Businesses can leverage a wealth of information to fine-tune their pricing strategies. In this blogpost, we dive deeper into the importance of data and automation and how they affect shaping your pricing strategy. The challenge of pricing In the dynamic world of retail and e-commerce, pricing is both an art and a science. Many industry professionals have developed an intuitive sense for what works in pricing, relying on experience and market knowledge to make decisions. However, this intuitive approach, while valuable, often falls short of a comprehensive, developed strategy. The pitfalls of intuitive pricing Companies frequently operate with loosely defined pricing rules that have evolved over time. This approach, sometimes referred to as "pricing by feel," may seem effective in the early stages of a business. However, as companies grow and markets become more complex, several challenges emerge: 1) Overwhelming assortment growth As product catalogues expand, manually managing prices for each item becomes increasingly time-consuming and prone to errors. What once was a manageable task for a small team or even an individual becomes an overwhelming endeavour. 2) Rapid shifts in competitive pricing The digital marketplace is characterised by its volatility. Competitors can adjust their prices multiple times a day, responding to market demands, inventory levels, or promotional strategies. Keeping up with these changes manually is virtually impossible. 3) Expanding market dynamics As companies grow, they often enter new markets or face increased competition. Each market may have its own pricing norms, consumer behaviours, and competitive landscapes, further complicating the pricing process. 4) Inconsistent pricing decisions Without a structured strategy, pricing decisions can become inconsistent across products or over time, potentially damaging brand perception or profit margins. Talk to one of our consultants about dynamic pricing. Schedule a demo The need for a structured approach Recognizing these challenges, it becomes clear that transitioning from 'pricing by feel' to a codified, explicit pricing strategy is crucial for sustained success, especially as you expand either the number of products or number of markets. However, this transition can be daunting. It requires a shift in mindset, the adoption of new technologies, and often a restructuring of some internal processes. This article aims to demystify this process, breaking down the first steps in developing a robust pricing strategy. Our goal is to guide retailers through the transition from intuitive pricing to making objective, data-driven decisions with increased speed and accuracy. By embracing a structured approach to pricing, businesses can: Respond more quickly to market changes Maintain consistency across large product assortments Optimize prices for different market segments Automate routine pricing decisions, freeing up time for strategic thinking Make more informed decisions based on data rather than gut feeling In the following sections, we'll explore how to begin this journey, starting with understanding your current position and defining your pricing goals. We'll then delve into practical steps for implementing a data-driven pricing strategy that can grow and evolve with your business. The importance of data and automation In the modern retail landscape, pricing excellence is closely linked to the quality and accessibility of data. High quality, trusted data is the foundation upon which effective pricing strategies are built. This data includes not only your own sales and inventory information, but also competitive intelligence and market trends. The role of data in pricing 1) Competitive Intelligence: Accurate data on competitor pricing allows you to position your products strategically in the market. 2) Historical Performance: Past sales data helps predict future trends and identify seasonal patterns. 3) Customer Behaviour: Data on how customers respond to different price points can inform segmentation and personalisation strategies. 4) Market Trends: Broader market data can help you anticipate shifts in demand or supply that might affect pricing. The power of automation While data is crucial, its true power is unlocked through automation. Pricing automation tools, like those provided by companies such as Omnia, offer several key benefits: 1) Speed and efficiency: Automated systems can adjust prices across thousands of SKUs in real-time, a task impossible to manage manually. 2) Consistency: Automated rules ensure that your pricing strategy is applied consistently across your entire product range. 3) Complex decision making: Advanced algorithms can consider multiple factors simultaneously, optimising prices based on a complex set of rules and goals. 4) Freeing up human resources: By automating routine pricing tasks, your team can focus on strategic decision-making and long-term planning. Building trust in automated systems The transition to automated pricing requires trust and reliability. To build this trust: 1) Start with a pilot program on a subset of products 2) Regularly audit and validate the system's decisions 3) Ensure transparency in how the system makes decisions 4) Provide ongoing training to your team on how to work with and interpret the system's outputs By leveraging high-quality data and reliable automation, retailers can transform their existing strategies into flexible, integrated workflows that adapt to market changes in real-time. Starting your pricing strategy 1) Self-Assessment: Understanding your current position Before looking outward, it's essential to have a clear picture of your internal situation: Analyze your current pricing methods and their effectiveness Evaluate your product portfolio and its price sensitivity Assess your cost structure and profit margins Review your brand positioning and target customer segments 2) Define your strategic objectives Consider key questions that will shape your strategy: Market position: What position do we need to achieve or maintain in the market? Brand perception: How do we want to be perceived through our pricing? Growth targets: What does ideal market growth through pricing look like? Operational efficiency: Where are our current pricing processes inefficient? Competitive strategy: How do we want to position ourselves relative to competitors? Customer value: How can our pricing reflect and enhance the value we provide to customers? 3) From abstract to concrete: Developing actionable steps Transform your strategic objectives into practical steps: Set specific, measurable goals (e.g., "Increase profit margin by 2% over the next quarter") Identify key products or categories for initial focus Determine the data and tools needed to support your strategy Outline the decision-making process for price changes 4) Align with business goals and resources Ensure your pricing strategy supports overall business objectives: Coordinate with other departments (sales, marketing, finance) to ensure alignment Assess the resources (human, technological, financial) required to implement the strategy Develop a timeline for implementation, including milestones and checkpoints 5) Create a feedback loop Build mechanisms to continuously improve your strategy: Establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of your pricing decisions Set up regular review periods to assess and adjust the strategy Encourage feedback from sales teams and customers Anticipating market reactions In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, where prices can change multiple times daily, anticipating and responding to market reactions is crucial. When implementing a new automated pricing strategy, consider not just your actions, but how competitors and customers might respond. Understanding competitor behaviour 1) Analyse historical patterns: Look at how competitors have reacted to price changes in the past. 2) Identify key competitors: Not all competitors are equal. Focus on those who have the most impact on your market. 3) Monitor frequency of changes: Some competitors may adjust prices hourly, others weekly. Understanding these patterns can inform your strategy. Price monitoring software helps you with this crucial step. Mitigating Risks To avoid detrimental outcomes like price wars, it's essential to adopt a strategic approach. One effective strategy is selective price matching, where you only follow the prices of key competitors and set clear boundaries on how low you're willing to go. This approach allows you to consider matching prices on key value items (KVIs) while maintaining margins on other products. Additionally, implementing safety rules such as setting minimum profit margins, establishing maximum discount percentages, and using dynamic floor prices based on cost and desired profitability can help safeguard your business. Another important strategy is to manage your repricing frequency strategically. Balancing responsiveness with stability is crucial, and you might consider time-based rules, such as not changing prices more than once per day. Different product categories may require different repricing frequencies. Beyond price, differentiation can be achieved by enhancing your value proposition through service, warranty, or bundling. Using dynamic pricing on unique product combinations that are harder for competitors to match can also be beneficial. Lastly, maintaining a consistent price position, such as always being 5% below a key competitor, and adjusting the index based on product category or lifecycle stage can help you stay competitive without engaging in harmful price wars. Monitoring and adjusting Implement a system to continuously monitor the effects of your pricing strategy: Track key metrics like sales volume, revenue, and profit margin Set up alerts for unusual competitor behaviour or market shifts Regularly review and adjust your rules and thresholds By anticipating market reactions and implementing a flexible, rule-based strategy, you can navigate the complex e-commerce landscape more effectively, balancing competitiveness with profitability. Conclusion: Embracing the future of pricing in E-commerce As we've explored throughout this article, the landscape of pricing in retail and e-commerce is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The shift from intuitive, "feel-based" pricing to data-driven, strategic approaches is not just a trend—it's becoming a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace. Key takeaways 1) The power of strategy: A well-developed pricing strategy is crucial for optimising sales, margins, and market position. It provides a framework for consistent decision-making and helps align pricing with broader business goals. 2) Data as the foundation: High-quality, trustworthy data is the bedrock of effective pricing. It provides insights into market trends, competitor behaviour, and customer preferences, enabling more informed and precise pricing decisions. 3) Automation as a game-changer: Pricing automation tools allow businesses to respond rapidly to market changes, maintain consistency across large product assortments, and free up valuable time for strategic thinking. 4) Anticipating market reactions: In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, it's crucial to not only set prices but also anticipate and plan for how competitors and customers might react. 5) Continuous Improvement: A successful pricing strategy is not static. It requires ongoing monitoring, analysis, and adjustment to remain effective in a changing market. The road ahead As we look to the future, several trends are likely to shape the evolution of pricing strategies: 1) Artificial intelligence and machine learning: These technologies will play an increasingly important role in predictive pricing and real-time optimization. 2) Personalisation: As data becomes more granular, we may see a move towards more individualised pricing based on customer behaviour and preferences. 3) Ethical considerations: With greater pricing power comes greater responsibility. Businesses will need to navigate the ethical implications of dynamic and personalised pricing. 4) Integration with other business functions: Pricing strategies will become more tightly integrated with other aspects of business operations, from supply chain management to customer relationship management. Final thoughts The journey from "pricing by feel" to implementing a sophisticated, data-driven pricing strategy may seem daunting, but it's a journey well worth taking. The benefits—increased profitability, improved market positioning, and enhanced competitiveness—far outweigh the initial challenges. Remember, you don't have to transform your pricing approach overnight. Start with small steps: gather data, experiment with automation on a subset of products, and gradually refine your strategy. As you gain confidence and see results, you can expand your approach across your entire product range. Pricing is more than just a number—it's a strategic tool that can drive your business forward. By embracing data, leveraging automation, and continuously refining your approach, you can turn pricing into a powerful competitive advantage. The future of retail belongs to those who can price smartly, react quickly, and adapt continuously. With the right strategy and tools, your business can be at the forefront of this pricing revolution. The time to start is now. Learn more about our revolutionary and intuitive approach to Dynamic Pricing here. Read more about interesting pricing strategies here: What is Dynamic Pricing?: The ultimate guide to dynamic pricing. What are the best pricing strategies?: Read about 17 pricing strategies for you as a retailer or brand. What is Price Monitoring?: Check out everything you need to know about price comparison and price monitoring. What is Value Based Pricing?: A full overview of how price and consumer perception work together. What is Charm Pricing?: A short introduction to a fun pricing method. What is Penetration Pricing?: A guide on how to get noticed when first entering a new market. What is Bundle Pricing?: Learn more about the benefits of a bundle pricing strategy. What is Cost Plus Pricing?: In this article, we’ll cover cost-plus pricing and show you when it makes sense to use this strategy. What is Price Skimming?: Learn how price skimming can help you facilitate a higher return on early investments. What is Map Pricing?: Find out why MAP pricing is so important to many retailers.

Top 7 strategies for successful digital pricing transformation

7 Strategies for Successful Digital Pricing Transformation Pricing transformation means completely changing the way a company sets its prices, using new digital tools and technologies to make better pricing decisions....

7 Strategies for Successful Digital Pricing Transformation Pricing transformation means completely changing the way a company sets its prices, using new digital tools and technologies to make better pricing decisions. This process aims to set prices that accurately reflect the perceived value of products or services, dynamically respond to market competition, and maximize profitability. Leveraging software solutions, businesses can ensure they are setting optimal prices for each transaction, considering factors such as customer demand, market trends, and competitive landscapes. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, pricing transformation has become a critical priority for organizations seeking to stay competitive and maximize profitability. As market dynamics shift and customer expectations evolve over time, companies must adapt their pricing strategies to keep pace. Pricing platform provider Omnia Retail has joined forces with Horvath, the international management consultancy with a focus on transformation and digitization, to share insights on the key elements of success we observe in businesses that have successfully undergone a pricing transformation. Drawing on our combined expertise in pricing software and strategies, we've identified seven key pillars that can help businesses successfully navigate this crucial process: 1. Secure Full C-Level Sponsorship The foundation of any successful pricing transformation lies in obtaining full support from top management. Our experience shows that pricing transformation needs to be a top priority for sales and marketing, product management, finance, and IT departments. Without strong backing from the C-suite, pricing initiatives often struggle to gain traction, especially because they impact many teams and may fail to deliver the desired results. With C-level sponsorship, the right KPIs (profit/revenue) can be prioritized effectively within each team. To achieve C-level sponsorship, we suggest: - Articulate the potential value and impact of pricing transformation on the company's top line - Develop a compelling business case that outlines both short-term wins and long-term strategic benefits - Quantify benefits by running a proof of concept (POC) where you A/B test the effectiveness of your pricing strategies - Ensure that pricing objectives are aligned with overall business goals and strategy By making pricing transformation a C-level priority, companies can ensure that the necessary resources, attention, and support are allocated to drive meaningful change. 2. Foster Collaboration Between Business and Technology Teams Successful pricing transformations are not solely a business initiative or an IT project; they require seamless collaboration between both domains. Our experience shows that when both the business and IT sides feel ownership, a well-developed pricing strategy will take shape and can be effectively implemented. We suggest to consider the following: - Establish cross-functional teams that bring together business expertise and technical knowledge - Ensure clear communication channels between business stakeholders and IT professionals - Develop a shared understanding of pricing goals, challenges, and potential pitfalls - Leverage technology as an enabler of pricing strategies, not just as a tool for implementation Remember, introducing pricing software alone does not solve pricing problems. It's the synergy between business acumen and technological capabilities that drives true transformations. 3. Focus on Big Wins and Quick Victories While pricing transformation is often a long-term journey, it's essential to maintain momentum by focusing on major achievements and celebrating quick wins along the way. To do so, we suggest the following: - Build confidence in the transformation process - Demonstrate tangible value to stakeholders early and fast (e.g. the aforementioned POC) - Generate enthusiasm and buy-in across the organization - Secure ongoing support and resources for the initiative To achieve this: - Start with an isolated part of the business. E.g. one category or 1 geographical location. This allows for a quicker ROI and lower time investment. Successful pilots then typically serve as boosters for global roll-out. - Identify high-impact areas where pricing improvements can yield significant results such as focussing on highly dynamic product groups, Key Value Items (KVIs), and high runners. - Use available technology in steps. First automate the more tedious tasks to free up time, then use that time to focus on developing commercial strategy in more depth. - Celebrate and communicate successes internally to maintain motivation and engagement as a transformation needs to be sold internally as well in its early stages. Any improvement in pricing should pay for itself. By delivering on quick wins, you can cross-finance the journey and support fast achievements, creating a positive cycle of improvement and success. 4. Internalize Pricing Know-How External consultants and software partners can kick-off a pricing transformation. They will generate value quickly but it’s crucial to internalize pricing know-how within your organization. Both for adoption and continuity, dedicated resources are critical. This ensures long-term success. We suggest following steps to internalize pricing knowledge: - Invest in training and development for your team - Document how you develop and execute your pricing strategy - Encourage knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination across departments/teams/countries - Use a proper pricing platform that enables collaboration & knowledge sharing within your organization - Develop a pipeline of pricing talent within your organization By making a pricing transformation program truly yours, you build internal capabilities that will drive continuous improvement and adaptation to market changes. 5. Include Local Teams in the Process Pricing transformation should not be an "ivory tower" exercise conducted solely at headquarters. To ensure success, it's crucial to involve local teams and incorporate diverse perspectives from across your organization. We suggest the following to include local teams: - Engage sales representatives in target markets to gather on-the-ground insights - Seek feedback on conceptual and design ideas from front-line employees - Involve top performers from various regions in the transformation program - Conduct pilot programs in select markets to test and refine pricing strategies By going out and involving sales reps in markets, you can get valuable feedback, test ideas, and create a more robust and effective pricing transformation program. 6. Embrace Continuous Iteration and Adaptation In today's fast-paced business environment, a static pricing strategy is a recipe for obsolescence. Your competitors are constantly evolving their approaches, and your pricing strategy must do the same to remain effective and competitive. Following key reasons to prioritize continuous iteration: - Market dynamics change rapidly, affecting demand patterns and customer preferences - Competitors adjust their strategies, potentially eroding your competitive advantage - New technologies emerge, offering opportunities for more sophisticated pricing approaches - New competitors might pop-up or existing competitors might fundamentally change their commercial strategies in certain categories/geographies - Economic conditions fluctuate, impacting customer purchasing power and behaviour To implement an iterative approach to pricing: - Establish a regular review cycle for your pricing strategy, considering both short-term adjustments and long-term strategic shifts - Leverage data analytics to monitor market trends, competitor actions, and the impact of your pricing decisions in real-time - Create a feedback loop that incorporates insights from sales teams, customer service, and market research - Develop scenario planning capabilities to anticipate and prepare for potential market shifts - Foster a culture of experimentation, where testing new pricing approaches is encouraged and learnings are quickly incorporated By committing to continuous iteration and adaptation, you ensure that your pricing strategy remains agile, responsive, and ahead of the curve. This iterative mindset will help you stay one step ahead of competitors and maintain a strong market position in an ever-changing business landscape. 7. Ensure Transparency and Organization-Wide Understanding A successful pricing transformation goes beyond just implementing new strategies and technologies. It's crucial that the entire organization understands and embraces the new approach. Transparency in both the strategy and the tools used to execute it is key to preventing resistance and fostering widespread adoption. Following key reasons why transparency is critical: - Builds trust across departments and hierarchical levels - Increases buy-in and commitment from all stakeholders - Facilitates better decision-making at all levels of the organization - Prevents the "black box" syndrome where pricing decisions seem arbitrary or unexplainable Steps to promote transparency and understanding: - Clearly communicate the rationale behind the pricing strategy to all employees, not just those directly involved in pricing decisions - Provide comprehensive training on the new pricing approach and any associated software or tools - Ensure that the pricing software used is user-friendly and provides clear explanations for its recommendations - Provide access to relevant pricing dashboarding broadly in the organisation - Create accessible documentation that outlines the principles, rules, and logic behind the pricing strategy - Establish open channels for questions, feedback, and suggestions from employees at all levels - Regularly share success stories and case studies that demonstrate the positive impact of the new pricing approach If a pricing strategy is not understood, it is unlikely to be effectively implemented. By prioritizing transparency and fostering organization-wide understanding, you create an environment where everyone from sales representatives to C-suite executives can confidently explain and support the pricing decisions being made. A pricing transformation is a complex yet critical process for retailers aiming to thrive in today's dynamic market. By implementing these seven key strategies, organizations can set themselves up for long-term success. As market dynamics shift, customer expectations evolve, and competitors adjust their strategies, your pricing approach must remain flexible and responsive. By internalizing expertise, leveraging technology wisely, and fostering a culture of pricing excellence throughout your organization, you can create a pricing strategy that is both robust and adaptable. At Omnia Retail and Horvath, we're dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of pricing transformation. By leveraging our combined expertise in retail pricing strategies and management consulting, we provide comprehensive solutions that drive sustainable growth and profitability. As you embark on your own pricing transformation journey, keep these seven key strategies in mind. With the right approach, commitment to transparency, and a willingness to iterate and adapt, you can unlock the full potential of your pricing capabilities. This will not only lead to improved financial performance but also position your organization to swiftly respond to market changes and maintain a significant competitive advantage in your industry. Read more about pricing strategies here: What is Dynamic Pricing?: The ultimate guide to dynamic pricing. What our the best pricing strategies?: Read about 17 pricing strategies for you as a retailer or brand. What is Price Monitoring?: Check out everything you need to know about price comparison and price monitoring. What is Value Based Pricing?: A full overview of how price and consumer perception work together. What is Charm Pricing?: A short introduction to a fun pricing method. What is Penetration Pricing?: A guide on how to get noticed when first entering a new market. What is Bundle Pricing?: Learn more about the benefits of a bundle pricing strategy. What is Cost Plus Pricing?: In this article, we’ll cover cost-plus pricing and show you when it makes sense to use this strategy. What is Price Skimming?: Learn how price skimming can help you facilitate a higher return on early investments. What is Map Pricing?: Find out why MAP pricing is so important to many retailers.

Meet the Team: Martijn Crooijmans

In this edition of Meet the Team we have Martijn Crooijmans in the starring role. Martijn is one of our fresh Junior Consultants within our new traineeship program. What is your favourite quote? “If you put your mind to...

In this edition of Meet the Team we have Martijn Crooijmans in the starring role. Martijn is one of our fresh Junior Consultants within our new traineeship program. What is your favourite quote? “If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything”, which is a quote from back to the future, but I feel like it’s mostly true. What is your top-3 favorite books or podcasts? The “Velocast”, a cycling podcast and a fun and easy way to follow the cycling world. “Business adventures”, a book on, well, business adventures. And “WeCrashed” which is a short podcast on the crash of WeWork and quite interesting to go through. What do you do at Omnia Retail? As I am currently in the traineeship I will cycle through multiple different activities throughout the year. Right now I am working within customer service mostly. This allows me to get to know the product and our customers. Next to that I am joining in on consulting work and customer success work for some customers. Next month I will trade these activities in for a couple months of sales to see how things are going in that department. What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix? That is a great question but with my three months of experience I don’t think I have seen enough issues yet to know which ones are the most frequent and important. I guess more automation as computers don’t make mistakes once everything is set up properly. But in which area and how are questions for a later date. What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? As this is a traineeship/junior function my past credentials are fairly limited. Before I worked at Omnia Retail I followed a bachelor in Management and Marketing in Wageningen and a master in Business Development and Entrepreneurship in Utrecht. I wrote my thesis on SaaS companies and did business analyses for an IT company. So this traineeship at a Saas and tech company was a logical next step. What do you like about working at Omnia Retail so far? The culture for sure. You can’t just walk up to a colleague at work with questions as everybody is working from home. So the fact that everybody is really helpful and goes out of their way to help you by setting up digital meetings is great. Everybody just feels accessible. What are the values that drive you? I really appreciate it when things go efficiently and effectively as well as level-headed people. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? As the podcast could have indicated I enjoy going for a cycling ride every once in a while and I really enjoy swimming. Next to sports I enjoy watching a good movie or meeting with my friends, even though that last one is a bit difficult these days.

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