STRATEGYMonths to result

Entry Deterring Price Framework

Price level that deters entry

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Incumbent firms seeking to maintain market share

Not ideal for

New entrants or firms with limited resources

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Entry Deterring Price Framework is a concept that describes the price level at which the potential rewards from entry are just balanced by the expected costs of overcoming structural entry barriers and risking retaliation. If the current price level is higher than the entry deterring price, entrants will forecast above-average profits from entry, and entry will occur.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The entry deterring price is the price level that just balances the potential rewards from entry with the expected costs of overcoming structural entry barriers and risking retaliation.
  2. Incumbent firms can use the entry deterring price to their advantage by pricing below it to deter entry.
  3. The entry deterring price depends on entrants' expectations of the future and not just current conditions.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Determine the entry deterring price
    Calculate the price level at which the potential rewards from entry are just balanced by the expected costs of overcoming structural entry barriers and risking retaliation.
    Pro tipConsider the potential entrant's expectations of the future and not just current conditions.
    WarningFailing to accurately determine the entry deterring price can lead to incorrect strategic decisions.
  2. Price below the entry deterring price
    Incumbent firms can use the entry deterring price to their advantage by pricing below it to deter entry.
    Pro tipConsider the potential impact on profitability and market share.
    WarningPricing too low can lead to reduced profitability and decreased market share.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Polaroid's instant photography market

Polaroid's basic patents on instant photography created a high entry barrier, but the expiration of these patents reduced the barrier and allowed new entrants like Kodak to enter the market.

OutcomeKodak's entry into the market led to increased competition and reduced profitability for Polaroid.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to consider entrants' expectations
The entry deterring price depends on entrants' expectations of the future and not just current conditions. Failing to consider these expectations can lead to incorrect strategic decisions.
Pricing too low
Pricing too low can lead to reduced profitability and decreased market share. Incumbent firms should carefully consider the potential impact on profitability and market share before pricing below the entry deterring price.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of entry deterring price was developed by Michael E. Porter as a way to understand the dynamics of industry competition and the strategies that firms can use to maintain their market position.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Competitive Strategy
Michael E. Porter · 1980
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