MARKETINGMonths to result

Tornado Pricing Strategy

Price to capture market share

Problem it solves

weak market positioning

Best for

High-growth markets with intense competition

Not ideal for

Niche markets with limited competition

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Tornado Pricing Strategy involves setting prices to capture market share, particularly during the tornado phase of market growth. This strategy prioritizes market share over profit margins, recognizing that market leaders will emerge and dominate the market. The goal is to be the first to hit the next lower strategic price point, creating a burst of new volume and expanding market share.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Price to capture market share, not to maximize profit margins
  2. Be the first to hit the next lower strategic price point
  3. Commoditize the whole product to reduce costs and increase distribution efficiency

Steps

3 steps
  1. Determine the next strategic price point
    Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to identify the next strategic price point that will create a burst of new volume.
    Pro tipUse data and market research to inform pricing decisions
    WarningBe cautious not to underprice or overprice, as this can harm market share and profitability
  2. Design partners in and out
    Recruit partners to create a powerful whole product, then design them out as the market commoditizes.
    Pro tipFocus on creating a seamless user experience and reducing distribution friction
    WarningBe aware of the potential for partners to become competitors
  3. Institutionalize the whole product
    Establish the whole product as the market leader, then commoditize it to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
    Pro tipUse marketing and sales efforts to promote the whole product and establish it as the standard
    WarningBe prepared to adapt to changing market conditions and competitor strategies

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Intel's pricing strategy

Intel has used aggressive pricing to capture market share and dominate the microprocessor market.

OutcomeIntel has maintained its market leadership and continued to grow its market share.
Microsoft's whole product strategy

Microsoft has used its whole product strategy to establish itself as the market leader in the software industry.

OutcomeMicrosoft has maintained its market leadership and continued to grow its market share.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Trying to control the tornado
Attempting to restrict supply or control the market can backfire, as the market will try to go around the vendor and isolate it.
Not adapting to changing market conditions
Failing to respond to changing market conditions and competitor strategies can lead to loss of market share and profitability.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

This strategy is based on observations of successful companies in high-tech markets, such as Intel and Microsoft, which have used aggressive pricing to capture market share and dominate their respective markets.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Inside the Tornado: Marketing Strategies From Silicon Valley's Cutting Edge
Geoffrey A. Moore · 1995
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