Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

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What are the most appropriate frameworks for pricing cases?

Case Case Interview Framework McKinsey pricing pricing strategy profitability
Most recent answer on Nov 10, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 21, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 21, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, The general framework for pricing is: Cost base - Value based - Competitor based - pricing strategy 1. Cost based - you actually check what are the costs and apply standard industry / target markup 2. Value ba ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
38.4 k
Views
89
Total Upvotes
on Nov 10, 2023 on Nov 10, 2023
Last Activity

Customised Pricing Structure

pricing
Most recent answer on Nov 26, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 22, 2021) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 22, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, For questions like “How much would you pay for XYZ?”, where XYZ is a product that can generate revenues directly for the buyer (eg dump, parking garage), you normally use valuation methods. You will almost alw ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.0 k
Views
66
Total Upvotes
on Nov 26, 2022 on Nov 26, 2022
Last Activity

Pricing case

case interview preparation pricing
Question edited on Nov 22, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 22, 2022) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 22, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, It's really important to adapt your framework to the clues in the case. Right now they're telling us that there are competitors/other drugs…which affects our pricing. They're telling us the drug is a breakthro ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.2 k
Views
62
Total Upvotes
on Nov 22, 2022 on Nov 22, 2022
Last Activity

Pricing approaches?

Bain BCG case study McKinsey pricing
Most recent answer on Nov 12, 2022
The best answer (on Nov 12, 2022) is from:
Mario
Expert
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Mario
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 12, 2022
Ex-Mckinsey (analyst->associate->manager) and now in tech (Bytedance) + Part time interview coach and mentor
Hi there, In most pricing cases, you should do all three: The minimum price you should charge is what your costs are (you want to generate profits at the end of the day) The maximum price you should charge is what peopl ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
778
Views
40
Total Upvotes
on Nov 12, 2022 on Nov 12, 2022
Last Activity

Impact of pricing strategy on market sizing

market size Market sizing pricing pricing strategy
Most recent answer on Dec 31, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 27, 2019) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 27, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi Thibault, generally speaking it can work, but it really depends on the problem. Could you provide us with more context? In particular, if we identify a potential client well defined/niche we could close our problem ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
3.0 k
Views
13
Total Upvotes
on Dec 31, 2021 on Dec 31, 2021
Last Activity

Difference between competitor-based and value-based pricing strategy

Competitor Analysis pricing pricing strategy value based pricing
Most recent answer on Nov 04, 2021
The best answer (on Nov 04, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Nov 04, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, I agree with Sidi and Pedro on the conceptual nature of the question. I disagree with Sidi on the notion that cases will always cover value-based pricing. In general, I'd be cautious with absolutes related to ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.5 k
Views
49
Total Upvotes
on Nov 04, 2021 on Nov 04, 2021
Last Activity

Advantages and disadvantages of decreasing prices to increase market share?

pricing
Most recent answer on Aug 19, 2021
The best answer (on Aug 14, 2021) is from:
Ken
Expert
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
Ken
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 14, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach
It’s nuanced based on the competitive position and the pricing power (relative to customers) of the company but the disadvantages are often the downward pricing spiral and lower margins. 
3
Answers
1.2 k
Views
28
Total Upvotes
on Aug 19, 2021 on Aug 19, 2021
Last Activity

Pricing a product and the impact of R&D costs

business acumen pricing pricing strategy R&D
Most recent answer on Jul 10, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 10, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 10, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, It literally depends on whether R&D has already occured... If the case is about the decision to launch a new product, you need to consider R&D costs and what pricing could cover them. If R&D ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.2 k
Views
36
Total Upvotes
on Jul 10, 2021 on Jul 10, 2021
Last Activity

Valuation and Pricing

pricing Valuation
Most recent answer on Apr 30, 2021
The best answer (on Apr 30, 2021) is from:
Antonello
Expert
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Antonello
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 30, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching
Hi, in addition to the solutions proposed by the other coaches in the discussion, I would like to suggest similar cases in the platform to practice with: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/how-much-would ... (read entire answer)
7
Answers
1.4 k
Views
95
Total Upvotes
on Apr 30, 2021 on Apr 30, 2021
Last Activity

Wild Card question: How would you price a COVID 19 vaccine?

Case covid19 pharma and health care cases pricing pricing strategy
Most recent answer on Oct 09, 2020
The best answer (on Oct 08, 2020) is from:
Henning
Expert
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate
Henning
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 08, 2020
Bain | passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate
You are on the right track! Make sure you bring up ethical concerns, as well as constraints regarding government funding. Govs might have funded the development and are requiring you to not price per potential, but at p ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
2.3 k
Views
17
Total Upvotes
on Oct 09, 2020 on Oct 09, 2020
Last Activity

how to choose between 3 pricing strategies

pricing
Most recent answer on Aug 31, 2020
The best answer (on Aug 23, 2020) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 23, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Great question! Question #1: Are there competitors (or is this a new market)? Q1A: If yes, can I differentiate my product? If yes, value-based If no, competitor pricing/benchmarking is eliminated. Q1B: If no, ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
1.4 k
Views
24
Total Upvotes
on Aug 31, 2020 on Aug 31, 2020
Last Activity

How to proxy "sensitivity analyses" in a 45-minute case scenario?

Cases Finance Practice cases pricing
Most recent answer on May 01, 2020
The best answer (on Apr 11, 2020) is from:
Luca
Expert
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Luca
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 11, 2020
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Hello, You are right, a sensitive analysis could be the right solution to most of pricing cases. On the other hand, you have to be able to give and answer without using a laptop and there are other strategies that can ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
1.7 k
Views
9
Total Upvotes
on May 01, 2020 on May 01, 2020
Last Activity

Puzzled by pricing in commodities market

competitive response mining pricing
Most recent answer on Apr 06, 2020
The best answer (on Apr 06, 2020) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 06, 2020
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Clem, assuming that: A and B cannot increase supply, and there are no other possible entrants There is no risk of anticompetitive claim for a higher price the only reason I see not to put a price as P2 ins ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
1.9 k
Views
15
Total Upvotes
on Apr 06, 2020 on Apr 06, 2020
Last Activity

Case solution does not solve the objective of the case

Argentinian toy manufacturer Case Interview case study pricing
Most recent answer on Dec 23, 2019
The best answer (on Dec 23, 2019) is from:
Luca
Expert
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Luca
Expert
gave the best answer on Dec 23, 2019
BCG |NASA | SDA Bocconi & Cattolica partner | GMAT expert 780/800 score | 200+ students coached
Hi, You are right, but it's not always possible to find a solution that satisfies every client's request. In this case, after your analyses, the interviewer can ask you to present your findings: that lowering price wil ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
3.4 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Dec 23, 2019 on Dec 23, 2019
Last Activity

Hi, any recommendations about consulting firms with a focus on marketing, sales and/or pricing? (w/italian office)

marketing pricing sales Various companies
Recent activity on Jun 02, 2019
Anonymous gave the best answer on Jun 03, 2019
Hi Laura, for Germany Simon-Kucher & Partners is the go-to address for marketing, sales and pricing! They have been identified by numerous business journals (e.g. brand eins, managermagazin) as hidden champion - a ... (read entire answer)
1
Answer
2.0 k
Views
2
Total Upvotes
on Jun 02, 2019 on Jun 02, 2019
Last Activity

Strategy vs Operations Cases

operations pricing strategy
Recent activity on May 01, 2019
The best answer (on May 01, 2019) is from:
Sidi
Expert
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Sidi
Expert
gave the best answer on May 01, 2019
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 350+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! In essence, operations cases should be tackled just as profitability cases. Both belong to the same category of situations, i.e., diagnostic scenarios. (and by the way, these diagnostic scenarios are very different ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
2.3 k
Views
7
Total Upvotes
on May 01, 2019 on May 01, 2019
Last Activity

Starting an Internship with Simon-Kucher and Partners

cologne Excel life sciences pricing Simon-Kucher & Partners
Recent activity on Apr 25, 2019
The best answer (on Apr 16, 2019) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 16, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi Harshika, congratulations on your offer! If you want to prepare in advance before you start, I would recommend working on technical, communication and stress management skills. On the technical side, Excel will ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
3.2 k
Views
14
Total Upvotes
on Apr 25, 2019 on Apr 25, 2019
Last Activity

Expert question: How to use value-based pricing?

BCG McKinsey pricing value based pricing
Recent activity on Feb 27, 2019
Anonymous gave the best answer on Feb 21, 2019
Hi, My short answer would be you should use value-based pricing if the market allows it. According to economic theory your price should depend on the value you deliver and the cost you provide it for (vs the competito ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.4 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Feb 27, 2019 on Feb 27, 2019
Last Activity

What is market/industry dynamics

automotive industry dynamics market dynamics pricing swot analysis
Recent activity on Nov 15, 2018
Anonymous gave the best answer on Nov 15, 2018
Agree with Vlad. But keep in mind that business is not a precise science (if you can consider it a science at all..) So people may say "industry" and mean "market", and vice versa. So you may have to narrow down or ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
10.5 k
Views
4
Total Upvotes
on Nov 15, 2018 on Nov 15, 2018
Last Activity

Pricing case - how to go deep into the case and what the difference is between value and competition based approach

pricing Simon-Kucher
Recent activity on Oct 29, 2018
The best answer (on Oct 28, 2018) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 28, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi, It depends on the case. Sometimes you need to take into account all the 3 types of pricing and define the right strategy. 1. Cost-based pricing - you actually check what are the costs and apply the industry / t ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.5 k
Views
6
Total Upvotes
on Oct 29, 2018 on Oct 29, 2018
Last Activity
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