Search
Close this search box.

Table of Contents

Variable Cost-Plus Pricing



Definition

Variable cost-plus pricing is a pricing strategy in which a product’s selling price is determined by adding a fixed markup to its variable costs. In this method, the variable costs include the direct expenses associated with producing a product, such as labor and materials. The fixed markup represents the desired profit margin and helps a company cover its fixed costs, while also generating a profit on each product sold.

Phonetic

Variable Cost-Plus Pricing in phonetics is: ˈvɛər i ə bəl kɒst ˈplʌs ˈpraɪs ɪŋ

Key Takeaways

  1. Variable Cost-Plus Pricing is a pricing strategy where a company sets the price of a product or service by adding a profit margin to the variable cost of production. This allows businesses to cover their variable costs, while still earning a profit on each unit sold.
  2. This pricing strategy is commonly used in industries where the variable cost of production is significant, such as manufacturing or service-based businesses. It ensures that companies can remain competitive in the market and adapt to fluctuations in production costs.
  3. While Variable Cost-Plus Pricing can be effective in certain situations, it does have its limitations. It may not always accurately reflect the true value of a product or service, leading to potentially lower profits. Additionally, it does not take into account fixed costs, which can be detrimental to the overall financial health of a company if they aren’t covered.

Importance

Variable Cost-Plus Pricing is an important concept in business and finance as it enables companies to determine the optimum selling price for their products or services, ensuring profitability and competitiveness in the market. This pricing strategy takes into account the variable costs related to producing a product, such as raw materials and labor, and adds a profit margin, known as the “mark-up,” to establish the final price. By utilizing Variable Cost-Plus Pricing, companies can effectively cover all production costs, generate desired profit margins, and remain responsive to fluctuations in cost factors or market conditions. Furthermore, it simplifies financial decision-making and helps businesses maintain a sustainable pricing model in the ever-changing economic landscape.

Explanation

Variable Cost-Plus Pricing is a strategic pricing approach utilized by businesses to determine the selling price of their products or services. The primary purpose of this method is to ensure that the company not only covers its variable costs (costs that change depending on the production volume) but also generates a profit in accordance to a predetermined markup percentage. By incorporating this pricing model, businesses can maintain a consistent profit margin that caters to fluctuations in production levels and market demand, subsequently enabling better financial planning and stability. This pricing technique is especially beneficial for companies in industries where production costs vary significantly or markets are highly competitive. By establishing the appropriate price for their offerings, businesses can remain flexible in their pricing decisions while capitalizing on opportunities to maximize profitability and market share. As Variable Cost-Plus Pricing accounts for the ever-changing nature of costs such as raw materials, labor, and even utilities, this approach helps render pricing decisions that are well-informed and align with the company’s financial goals. As a result, firms can secure their competitive advantage and create sustainable long-term growth.

Examples

Variable cost-plus pricing is a pricing strategy where businesses set the product’s price based on the cost of producing one additional unit (variable cost) and adding a markup to cover overhead costs and profit margins. 1. Manufacturing Industry: A furniture manufacturer incurs variable costs such as raw materials (wood, fabric, hardware), labor, and shipping costs for each piece of furniture produced. To determine the selling price, the manufacturer adds a markup percentage to the variable cost of producing one additional unit. For example, if it costs $100 to produce one more chair and the desired profit margin is 30%, the selling price would be $130 ($100 + $30). 2. Food Service Industry: A restaurant or cafe incurs variable costs such as ingredients, packaging, and labor for making dishes or drinks. In order to use variable cost-plus pricing, the owner would calculate the cost of making one additional menu item (e.g., sandwich, coffee) and add a markup to cover overhead costs (rent, utilities) and desired profit. For example, if it costs $2 to make one sandwich, and a 50% profit margin is desired, the selling price would be $3 ($2 + $1). 3. Clothing Retail Industry: A clothing store buys products from suppliers and incurs variable costs such as shipping costs, storage costs, and labor for each product. To set the selling price, the store would use variable cost-plus pricing by determining the cost of acquiring one more unit of a particular product and adding a markup to cover overhead costs like rent and utilities, and achieve the desired profit margin. For example, if it costs $20 to acquire one more T-shirt, and a 40% profit margin is desired, the selling price would be $28 ($20 + $8).

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is Variable Cost-Plus Pricing?
Variable Cost-Plus Pricing is a pricing strategy used by businesses to determine the selling price of their products or services by adding a fixed markup to the variable costs involved in producing them. This ensures that the company covers its variable costs and achieves a desired profit margin.
How is Variable Cost-Plus Pricing calculated?
To calculate Variable Cost-Plus Pricing, follow these steps:1. Determine the variable cost per unit: This includes costs that vary with the output level, such as materials, labor, and utilities.2. Decide on the desired profit margin: This is typically expressed as a percentage.3. Multiply the variable cost per unit by the desired profit margin (in decimal form).4. Add the result to the variable cost per unit to find the selling price.
What are the advantages of Variable Cost-Plus Pricing?
Some key advantages of Variable Cost-Plus Pricing include:1. Simplicity: It is an easy method for businesses to set prices without the need for extensive market research or complex calculations.2. Ensuring profitability: By factoring in the desired profit margin, businesses can ensure that they make a profit with every unit sold.3. Flexibility: The pricing can be easily adjusted based on changes in variable costs or the desired profit margin.
Are there any disadvantages to Variable Cost-Plus Pricing?
Yes, some disadvantages of Variable Cost-Plus Pricing are:1. Ignoring competition: This pricing strategy doesn’t consider competitors’ prices, which may lead to overpricing or underpricing and affect sales.2. Limited focus on customer value: It doesn’t factor in the perceived value of the product by the customers and may not align with what customers are willing to pay.3. No consideration for fixed costs: Variable Cost-Plus Pricing doesn’t account for fixed costs, which can lead to an inaccurate reflection of the total cost to produce and sell the product.
When is Variable Cost-Plus Pricing most suitable?
Variable Cost-Plus Pricing is most suitable for businesses with significant variable costs, such as manufacturing or production-based industries. This pricing strategy is especially beneficial during the early stages of product development or for businesses that lack detailed market knowledge as it simplifies pricing decisions. However, businesses should keep in mind the need to consider competition, customer value, and fixed costs to ensure a complete pricing strategy.

Related Finance Terms

  • Contribution Margin
  • Break-Even Analysis
  • Direct Material Costs
  • Direct Labor Costs
  • Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis

Sources for More Information


About Our Editorial Process

At Due, we are dedicated to providing simple money and retirement advice that can make a big impact in your life. Our team closely follows market shifts and deeply understands how to build REAL wealth. All of our articles undergo thorough editing and review by financial experts, ensuring you get reliable and credible money advice.

We partner with leading publications, such as Nasdaq, The Globe and Mail, Entrepreneur, and more, to provide insights on retirement, current markets, and more.

We also host a financial glossary of over 7000 money/investing terms to help you learn more about how to take control of your finances.

View our editorial process

About Our Journalists

Our journalists are not just trusted, certified financial advisers. They are experienced and leading influencers in the financial realm, trusted by millions to provide advice about money. We handpick the best of the best, so you get advice from real experts. Our goal is to educate and inform, NOT to be a ‘stock-picker’ or ‘market-caller.’ 

Why listen to what we have to say?

While Due does not know how to predict the market in the short-term, our team of experts DOES know how you can make smart financial decisions to plan for retirement in the long-term.

View our expert review board

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More