What characterizes cost-plus pricing?

Cost-plus pricing is characterized by adding a fixed percentage to the production costs to set the selling price. This pricing strategy involves calculating the total cost of production, which may include materials, labor, and overhead, and then applying a markup percentage to ensure that the selling price covers these costs while providing a desired profit margin.

This method is straightforward and ensures that all costs are covered, which is particularly useful in situations where businesses need to ensure financial stability. By knowing the total costs and adding a specific markup, businesses can easily set prices without needing to analyze market conditions or competitor pricing extensively. This pricing approach is often favored in industries where production costs are relatively stable and predictable.

Other pricing strategies mentioned, such as using a variable percentage, focusing on consumer demand, or setting prices based on competitors, do not align with the fundamental principle of cost-plus pricing, which is primarily cost-driven.