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The Pitfalls of Pricing Algorithms: Be Mindful of How They Can Hurt Your Brand

Journal

Harvard Business Review

Subject

Marketing

Authors / Editors

Bertini M;Koenigsberg O

Biographies

Publication Year

2021

Abstract

More and more companies are relying on pricing algorithms to maximize profits. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning enables real-time price adjustments based on supply and demand, competitors’ activities, delivery schedules, and so forth. But constant price shifts have a downside: They may trigger unfavorable perceptions of a firm’s offerings and its brand. It’s vital, therefore, to understand and manage the signals being sent by the algorithms. The authors offer real-world examples of companies that have succeeded in this endeavor and others that have not. And they recommend four steps to avoid harm: Determine an appropriate use case for algorithmic pricing and explain its benefits to customers; designate an owner to supervise and be accountable for the system; set and monitor guardrails, both to protect against wild surges and to learn how price changes affect all aspects of the organization; and override the algorithms when necessary.

Keywords

Algorithmic Pricing; Dynamic Pricing; Price; Change; Technology; Brands and Branding; Perception; Consumer Behavior

Available on ECCH

No


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