Retail Dude

It was hot summer of Chennai which made me realize of this unique pricing strategy of Cola Companies. Few days back while quenching my thirst in a local cola shop in Chennai, I discovered how these Cola companies have strategically shift there pricing by selling 200ml of soft-drink at the cost of 300ml. I had to quench my thirst by consuming 2 bottles huhhh!!

It was few years back when these companies come up with the concept of “Chota Pepsi” or “Coke” for that matter. They offered consumers 150 ml of soft-drink for Rs.5. It was well accepted by consumers who were use to drink 300 ml. At this point of time both 150 ml and 300 ml (for Rs. 9) were available in the market.

Then after some time they increased the volume and price of small bottles to 200 ml and Rs. 7, though 300 ml was at same price. These companies discovered a new trend in consumers. They realized that still consumers prefer small bottles. This appeared as a great opportunity for them. Bingo!! The result of this we are seeing now.

Finally, these companies are now selling same “Chota Pepsi” or “Small Coke” at the price of “Bada” i.e. Rs. 9. And we without realizing this have happily accepted this. And the price of pet jar i.e. 500 ml has just increased from Rs. 18 to Rs. 20, where as the prices of 1.5 liters and 2 liters have been decreasing or is mostly with some offer like free my can or something. 300 ml bottles have almost vanished from the market now.

Hats Off to the pricing strategy of the Cola Companies who have been successfully able to sell 66% of the product at the cost of 100% almost in a phased manner and making consumer habitual and unaware of the increased price.

- Rajeev Damani

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