The Hammonton Gazette 06/29/19 Edition | Page 4

Workshop on business development, growth held at Kramer Hall Wednesday, June 26, 2019 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 NJSBDC, from Page 1 and partner of the New Jersey economic Development Authority (NJeDA)—to its satellite office at Stockton University Kramer Hall for a workshop that explored the pricing models and strategies that small businesses can implement to maximize profitability. the workshop was led by UCeDC training and technical Assistance Officer Joseph Lam- berti, who said the event is just one of the numerous complimen- tary services the UCeDC provides to area entrepreneurs and small business owners. “We really exist for small busi- ness. So, we help for lending and with small business counseling and workshops like this—almost all of which is free,” Lamberti said. the small business representa- tives that attend the UCeDC’s workshops also often receive con- nections to local small business counseling services provided by the NJSBDC. those seeking one- on-one counseling in the Ham- monton area will soon be able to do so every friday at Kramer Hall throughout the summer with NJS- BDC of Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties Director Carol Waties (for more informa- tion, call (609) 626-3889). the essence of Lamberti’s ana- lytical presentation about small business marketing and financial literacy was centered on three key pricing models: cost-plus, market- based (competitive) and premium (perceived value). Lamberti said there are several factors that small business owners must consider be- fore they determine how much to charge for the goods or services they provide. “We want to understand how the cost structure affects the price structure. it’s not just sticking a price tag on your product or serv- ice and try to start selling; it’s based on your own cost structure,” Lamberti said. Lamberti also stressed the es- sentiality of a business under- standing what its target market is, and understanding the factors that influence the buying decisions of that market. “there’s a combination of Now carrying Blush by Hayley Paige and Maggie Sottero We carry gorgeous dresses by: One Sindoni Lane, Suite C, Hammonton (609) 270-7886 • www.meadowsbridalshop.com Hayley Paige, Maggie Sottero Casablanca, Mori Lee, and so much more! things that help your buying deci- sion. You need to recognize what that is among your target audience and then not only price your prod- uct appropriately, but market it ap- propriately to that particular target,” Lamberti said. the first—and most common— pricing model that Lamberti high- lighted was the cost-plus model, which is determines customer pricing by totaling the total cost of materials needed to produce a product, the total cost of the labor required during that process and the desired profit for selling the product. Although the cost-based pricing model is simple equation that’s easy to calculate, Lamberti said it does not guarantee whether a busi- ness’ target customers are going to purchase their goods or services on a regular basis. to avoid this discrepancy, many businesses will opt to use the market-based pric- ing model, which is predicated on the competitiveness and price pat- terns within a given local business market. “You’re trying to meet what is the going rate out there, what is the typical price for your product or services right now, and you want to be right around there,” Lamberti said. Although the market-based pricing model is slightly more in- tuitive than cost-based, Lamberti said businesses can still experi- ence pitfalls with this model be- cause it does not always ensure an ideal profit margin. “With market-based, you’re as- suring yourself that you’ll have a competitive-level pricing, but you’re not necessarily ensuring yourself of the profit margin that you need for the financial goals of your business. it all goes down to cost structure … You ever see a gerbil on a wheel? they look re- ally busy, don’t they? they’re working really hard, aren’t they? Are they getting anywhere? … Don’t be a gerbil,” Lamberti said. if a business is able to success- fully sell enough of its product and market itself to the point where it has built brand power and name recognition, Lamberti said they may implement the less-common premium pricing value, which hinges on the perceived value of the product or service a business provides to its customers. “Premium pricing is not very common, but it can work for your business if you’re intention- ally setting a price that is higher than average out there ... this will definitely assure you of covering the profit margin and covering your costs, but the perception has to be that the consumer is getting something of a significantly higher value, or maybe just has it See PRICING, Page 8 DiMeglio Septic , Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service