Target Return Pricing Strategy

By Thomas Bennett Financial expert at Priceva
Published on December 4, 2024
Target return pricing is a pricing strategy in which prices are set to achieve a specified return on investment (ROI). Companies using this approach calculate the price of a product by factoring in production costs, expected sales volume, and the desired profit margin. This method is commonly used in industries like manufacturing and engineering, where businesses have clear financial targets for each product or project.

The primary advantage of target return pricing is that it aligns pricing with business goals, ensuring that each sale contributes to profitability. This approach allows companies to develop pricing strategies that meet financial objectives while covering costs. However, target return pricing requires accurate forecasting and cost analysis to establish realistic prices that customers are willing to pay.

It is crucial to balance the ROI target with market conditions, as setting prices too high may reduce demand. Target return pricing is most effective for companies with predictable costs and a deep understanding of their customer base, enabling stable pricing that supports long-term financial planning.

FAQ

What is the target return on cost?

The target return on cost is a pricing strategy where the price of a product is set to achieve a specific return on investment (ROI) based on production and operational costs. For example, if a company aims for a 20% ROI and the product costs $50 to produce, the price would be set to generate $60 in revenue ($50 × 1.2).

What is a target rate of return?

The target rate of return is the desired percentage of profit a company aims to achieve from an investment or product. This rate is used to guide pricing decisions, ensuring that each sale contributes to meeting the company’s financial objectives while covering production costs.

How to calculate the target rate of return?

To calculate the target rate of return:

  1. Determine Total Costs: Include production, operational, and fixed costs.
  2. Set Desired Profit: Define the percentage of ROI you want to achieve.
  3. Calculate Target Revenue: Multiply total costs by (1 + desired ROI).
  4. Set Price: Divide target revenue by the expected sales volume.

For example, if the total cost is $100 and the desired ROI is 25%, the target revenue would be $125 ($100 × 1.25). If the sales volume is 10 units, the price per unit would be $12.50.

Is Target going to charge for returns?

As of now, Target does not charge for returns on most items purchased from their stores or online. Customers can return eligible products within the specified return window, usually 90 days, as long as they meet the conditions of the return policy. However, some exceptions may apply, such as items that require a restocking fee.

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