Glossary

Price Elasticity

What Is Price Elasticity?

Price Elasticity refers to the measure of how the quantity demanded of a product changes in response to a change in its price. In simpler terms, it helps you understand how sensitive your customers are to changes in the price of your products. Understanding price elasticity is crucial for e-commerce owners because it directly impacts your pricing strategy. If a product is highly elastic, a small increase in price could lead to a significant drop in sales, meaning customers are very price-sensitive. On the other hand, if a product is inelastic, you have more flexibility to raise prices without drastically affecting sales volume, as customers may still purchase it even at a higher cost.

How to Use It:

  1. Identify Price Sensitivity: Determine which of your products are more sensitive to price changes. This helps you understand which products might benefit from competitive pricing versus those where you can maintain a higher margin.
  2. Optimize Pricing Strategy: Use your understanding of price elasticity to set prices that maximize your profits without driving away customers. For instance, inelastic products might offer opportunities for higher pricing or premium positioning.
  3. Plan Promotions and Discounts: If a product is highly elastic, consider using discounts or promotions strategically to boost sales during slow periods or to clear inventory.