The Pricing Squeeze
We often think of pricing as representing the value of any given product or service. In many instances, this is true, and we make buying decisions based on whether a product or service is worth the price. We may find it difficult to imagine, but how an offering is priced may also influence our buying decisions. We illustrate the concept of the pricing squeeze.
The Model X.
We’ll use Tesla’s Model X as an example on how pricing can influence our buying decisions. The Model X is Tesla’s SUV and was first launched in 2015. Since then, Tesla has offered (and expired) the Model X in several different trims during different time periods. Not too long ago, Tesla marketed the Model X in three trims:
- 75D
- Total Cash Price: $88,800
- Battery: 75 kWh
- Range: 237 miles
- 90D
- Total Cash Price: $98,800
- Battery: 90 kWh
- Range: 257 miles
- P100D
- Total Cash Price: $138,800
- 0 to 60: 2.9 seconds
- Battery: 100 kWh
- Range: 289 miles
A dramatic price jump to the P100D, but worth it?
Going from the 75D to 90D brings 20 additional miles of range, or about 8 ½ percent more. The price increases by $10,000. The jump from the 90D to P100D brings 32 additional miles of range, or about 12 ½ percent more. Yet the price increase is $40,000, 4 times more than going from the 75D to 90D!
Certainly, the P100D has an impressive acceleration time of 2.9 seconds (newer P100Ds are even faster), but for a vast majority of consumers driving SUVs, range is a far more important consideration. The 75D and 90D already have 0 to 60mph times in the high 4 to 5 second range, which was faster than many competitor SUVs at the time.
From a product manufacturing perspective, it’s hard to believe that a bigger battery, more powerful electric motors, and upgraded wiring would warrant such a dramatic price increase.
We have often talked about how consumers would gladly pay more for convenience. It’s also hard to believe that the average SUV driver would often use such acceleration, although such acceleration might be helpful in certain traffic situations. But is knowing that you have power you rarely use (or even know how to use), worth a $40,000 price increase? That alone may not tip the scales to buy the P100D.
But that may not be the point. Here, the “pricing squeeze” occurs as your attention is likely directed to lower cost options. Of course, there are buyers that feel the P100D is totally worth it.
The power of comparison.
The P100D’s 0 to 60mph acceleration time crosses over to the sub-3 second range. This is exotic, super-car territory: that of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens. Tesla was able to achieve such acceleration times in an SUV, and even beats many of those exotic car brands! By prominently marketing acceleration times, Tesla was able to shift the comparison of the Model X to that of exotic sports cars.
However, comparison also happens at the consumer level. The consumer sees three choices: 75D, 90D, and P100D. The P100D’s dramatic price increase may be out of consideration for many, but its performance has a halo effect; It lifts the perceived value of entire lineup by association.
So, the consumer is then left with either the 75D or 90D. The 75D is offered at a relatively “low” price to catch the consumer’s attention. The 90D offers more range, an important consideration, for “only” $10,000 more. Cheap; that is, in comparison to the $40,000 jump to the P100D. The 90D is looking like a real bargain and the better value, while the consumer achieves an aspirational aspect of the Tesla performance brand.
The “pricing squeeze” occurs as your attention is now directed to the middle choice, the 90D. Your attention is directed upward from the 75D, and downward from the P100D.
We cannot say this pricing tactic is part of some conscious, grand strategy by Tesla. And to be sure, Tesla successfully sells both 75D’s and P100D’s on the low and high ends. We do know there is a psychological effect of guiding the consumers’ decision to the “middle” where pricing plays a role. And it is a tactic that is often successfully used by companies in many different industries.