How Pricing Software for Manufacturing Gives Shops a Competitive Advantage

Many shops often conflate costing and pricing, leading to missed opportunities and leaving money on the table. In this blog post, we will dive into the benefits of pricing software for manufacturing, the critical distinction between pricing and costing in manufacturing and explore the strategies that can give your shop a competitive advantage. We will also explore the many capabilities of pricing software for manufacturing. 

Pricing vs. Costing

It’s crucial to understand the fundamental difference between pricing and costing before breaking down strategies to keep your shop competitive. Costing is a science; it accounts for all the many resources it takes for your shop to make a part. This includes material, labor, and additional services. Pricing, on the other hand, is an art; it begs the question, “How much is my customer—and the market—willing to pay for this?” It’s the job of determining the amount you decide to charge your customers for a part. 

Important Pricing Strategies

Pricing in manufacturing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Various pricing strategies can be employed to meet the unique needs of your shop and your customers. 

Here are five pricing strategies that you should consider when pricing for your shop:

1. Dynamic Lead Times for Quick Turnaround – Offering dynamic lead times can be a game-changer. This strategy allows you to provide customers with quicker turnaround times, giving you a competitive edge, particularly with time-sensitive OEMs. 
2. Offer Competitive Discounts to Increase Incentives – Providing competitive discounts can motivate customers to choose your shop over competitors. Discounts can be a powerful tool for boosting sales and securing long-term partnerships.
3. Customer-Specific Markups – Tailoring markups to individual customers ensures that your pricing remains competitive while accommodating specific customer requirements and expectations.
4. Seamless Credit Card Checkouts to Reduce Risk – Simplifying the payment process by offering credit card checkouts can reduce payment delays and mitigate financial risks associated with outstanding payments.
5. Strategic Pricing Tailored to Customer Needs – Customize your pricing strategy to align with the unique needs and preferences of your customers. This approach ensures that you offer competitive rates and the value your customers are seeking.

How Pricing Software Can Help Your Shop Maximize Profit Margins

Implementing these pricing and costing strategies effectively can be challenging without the right tools. This is where pricing software for manufacturing comes into play. 

Which Pricing Software is Right for Your Shop?

Selecting the right manufacturing pricing software for your shop is a decision that requires planning, intentionality, and long-term vision. The choice should align with your specific needs and goals. Solutions like Paperless Parts offer tailored solutions designed to maximize your shop’s potential. 

Here’s how Paperless Parts’ pricing software empowers manufacturers to achieve pricing strategies that will give them a competitive advantage:

1. Dynamic Lead Times – Paperless Parts’ software allows shops to send dynamic lead times that increase customer options and capture expedited revenue.
2. Competitive Discounts – Paperless Parts makes it easy to offer discounts by deducting from the price calculations of a quote item. Discounts are applied to each quantity in each line item, and stands out visibly on the quote.
3. Customer-Specific Markups – Paperless Parts makes it easy to bake in customer-specific markups to prevent you from wasting time and dollars on the jobs that aren’t worth it. 
4. Credit Card Checkout – Paperless Parts allows shops to offer and require credit card checkout which eliminates the time-consuming task of tracking down and entering orders. It also reduces risk of outstanding payments.
5. Add-Ons – Paperless Parts gives you the capability to provide add-ons for your customers to align with the unique needs of each PO. Some popular add-ons that Paperless Parts customers use include first article inspection, special packaging, and certifications.

Mastering pricing and costing strategies is essential for any shop aiming to thrive in a competitive market. By using a pricing software like Paperless Parts, you can streamline your operations, reduce risks, and enhance your profitability. Remember, accurate pricing can make the difference between leaving money on the table and securing valuable contracts. So, choose your manufacturing pricing software wisely, and make the most of your manufacturing shop’s potential.