ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Pricing methods

When we go to the store to buy something, we pay money for it. The amount of money we pay is called the price. Companies who make and sell things need to decide what price to charge for their products so that they can make money and stay in business.

There are different pricing methods they can use, which means they have different ways of deciding what the price should be. These pricing methods have names like cost-plus, value-based, penetration, skimming, and competition-based.

Cost-plus pricing is when companies figure out how much it costs them to make a product, and then add a little bit extra on top to make a profit. This is like when your mom adds up how much it costs to make your birthday cake and then charges your friends' parents a little bit extra for their slice.

Value-based pricing is when companies look at how much value their product provides for the customer and then sets the price based on that. For example, if you were going to buy a pair of shoes that made you run faster, and you would pay more for them than you would for regular shoes because they have extra value.

Penetration pricing is when companies start with a low price to get people to try their product, and then gradually raise the price once people are hooked. This is like when the ice cream truck comes around and offers you a free sample, and then you are more willing to pay for a cone later on.

Skimming pricing is when companies start with a high price for a new product to make as much profit as possible from early adopters, and then gradually lower the price over time. This is like when a new toy comes out, and your parents pay a lot of money for it at first, but eventually, the price goes down, and more people can afford it.

Competition-based pricing is when companies look at what their competitors are charging for similar products and then set their prices to match or beat them. This is like when two lemonade stands are set up next to each other, and they both charge the same amount to try and get customers.

In summary, companies use different pricing methods to decide how much money to charge for their products. They can use cost-plus, value-based, penetration, skimming, or competition-based pricing methods to make sure they make a profit and stay in business.