Question
Explain briefly the $4Ps.$

Answer

Marketing mix consists of four main components known as the $4Ps.$ These $4Ps$ are
  1. Product
  2. Price
  3. Place
  4. Promotion.
$1.$ Product:
  • The first of the $4Ps$ is the product.
  • A product can be a tangible good or intangible service that fulfills the need or want of consumers.
  • Product is considered as the base of marketing process.
  • This concept says that the producer needs to have a clear cut idea about his product and what makes it unique before he can successfully market it.
  • Decisions that a producer needs to take under the product component include features of the product, packaging, branding, labeling, after sales service, complaint redressal, etc.
$2.$ Price:
  • Once, the producer gets a concrete knowledge about his product, he can move towards the second $‘P’$ i.e. Price.
  • Price refers to the value paid by the consumer for the physical, economic, social and psychological satisfaction received from the product. Price is the economic value of a product, which is generally depicted in the form of money.
  • Price determination of a product is most important for any business unit. Price is extremely important for both, the buyers and sellers.
  • Demand for a product is inversely related to the price of that product. This means that when price of the product rises, demand falls and when price falls the demand rises.
  • Determining the price will impact income, profit, demand and also marketing strategy.
  • Thus, every firm has to set its price in such a manner that the product becomes successful.
$3.$ Place $($Placement/Distribution$):$
  • Place or placement refers to the decision as to where to place the product so that the product can be accessed by potential buyers.
  • A firm can identify the place of putting the product by thoroughly understanding the target market and then setting up the distribution network. $($Note: For example, it will be wrong placement decision to set-up a fine dine premium restaurant in a low income group area.$)$
  • Thus, distribution refers to an arrangement of making the final product available at a place where it is required, whenever it is required and in whatever quantity it is required.
  • Distribution decision plays a very important role when the expected consumer group is large and is spread in heterogeneous geographical areas.
  • The producer does not come into direct contact with the consumer but has a link through various middlemen. The middlemen may include super stockist, wholesaler, retailer, etc. As a result, the distribution system is designed on the basis of type of product, number of consumers, geographical area, etc.
  • At the same time, the firm also sees that the product reaches the consumer in the proper packing and at least handling and distribution cost.
$4.$ Promotion:
  • Promotion is an important part of marketing mix.
  • An important function of promotion is to provide information regarding new product to the existing and the potential consumers.
  • In this process, the producer attempts to convert existing customers as well as potential customers to purchase the products.
  • Thus, promotion aims at creating awareness, attracting customers, increasing demand and motivating people to purchase.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free