Paper 1 Flashcards
Define promotion
Is an attempt to obtain and retain customers by drawing their attention to a firm or its product
Define Above the line promotion
Involves advertising in the media
Explain the different forms of above the line promotion (3)
Informative advertising - Designed to increase consumer awareness of products, by giving clear information on the product.
Persuasive advertising- advertising designed to put pressure on consumers to buy a product, to appeal to peoples emotions
Reassuring advertising- advertising aimed at existing customers, designed to be comforting and to suggest to consumers they were right to buy the product and should continue to do so.
Define Below the line promotion
Refers to any forms of promotion that does not involve advertising
Explain the different forms of below the line promotion (4)
Sales promotion- incentives used to encourage people to buy products in order to break into a new market, reward loyal customers or help to kickstart repeat purchasing. Involves BOGOF deals, loyalty cards or free gifts.
Public relations- involves trying to increase sales by improving the brand image. Involves press releases or sponsorships.
Merchandising and packaging- occurs where a firm arranges the point of sale so that it is interesting and eye catching. Includes product layout and display material, such as posters and lighting to draw in customers.
Direct selling- uses a sales rep calling households or businesses hoping to sell products
Define advertising
Involves communication between a business and its consumers where images are placed in the media to encourage the purchase of its product
Explain the factors for a business to consider when choosing methods of promotion (6)
Cost - some forms of promotion are more expensive than others
Market- businesses in mass markets are more likely to use national television or newspapers rather than specialist methods
Product- certain products are better suited to certain types of promotion, car manufacturers are not likely to use BOGOF or coupon offers
Stage in product life cycle - promotional methods often change as a product gets older, become less aggressive.
Competitors - common for businesses to copy successful promotion methods used by rivals
Legal factors - legislation is put in place to protect consumers, in the EU tobacco products cannot be advertised
Explain the different types of branding (3)
Manufacturer brands - are brands created by the producers of the good, bearing the producers name. E.G. Dell computers or Kellogg’s cornflakes
Own label brands - are products manufactured for wholesalers and retailers to sell under their own name. E.G. Tesco baked beans
Generic brands- products that only contain the name of the actual product category rather than the company. E.G. Carrots or foil
Define a brand
Is a product with unique character, which is consistent and well recognised
State the benefits of strong branding (5)
Added value - brand itself can add value
Can charge a premium price - inelastic in price
Inspires brand loyalty- good word of mouth marketing
Leads to higher barriers to entry
Allows new product development
Explain the ways of building a brand (4)
Exploiting a USP- If a product has a USP it is much easier to differentiate the brand.
Advertising - a business can use advertising to introduce a new brand and spread the word about it.
Sponsorship- attaching the brand to specific events raises brand awareness and association
Social media - allows the firm to communicate more effectively to customers , to gain trust of the brand
Explain the changes in branding and promotion to reflect social trends
Viral marketing- encourages people to pass on messages to others about a product, electronically. Creates exponential growth in the exposure of the brand. Led to many firms focusing marketing budget on social media.
Emotional branding - refers to the practice of using the emotions of a consumer to build a brand. Designed to develop a connection between a consumer and the brand. E.g. A football club
Define Brand extension
Occurs when the strength of the brand can be exploited to develop new products in similar markets. For example, Oreo biscuits and Oreo ice cream
Define brand stretching
Occurs when the strength of the brand is used for a diverse range of products, not necessarily connected. For example, virgin airlines and virgin broadband
Define Contribution
Give the formula
Contribution is the amount of money left over after variable costs have been subtracted away from revenue.
Contribution per unit = Selling price - Variable costs per unit
Define Break Even
Give the Formula
Is the point where a business is selling enough to just cover costs without making a profit.
Break Even Point= Fixed Costs / (Selling price - Variable costs per unit)
Define Margin of Safety
Give the formula
Margin of Safety is the difference between the business’ actual level of output and the break even level of output.
Margin of safety = Actual output - Break even level of output
Explain the limitations of break even analysis (6)
- Assumes all output is sold
- Based on firm selling only one product at the same price
- Variable costs are assumed to constantly increase
- Does not take into account uncertainties
- The data may not be accurate
- Assumes revenue and costs are linear and do not fluctuate
Define Liquidity
Is the ability for a business to find the cash it needs to pay its bills.
Define a Balance Sheet
A Balance sheet is a document describing the financial position of a business, comparing what it owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities).
Define Current Assets
Define Fixed Assets
Define Intangible Assets
Current Assets are assets that can be easily turned into cash. Includes cash, inventories or receivables.
Fixed Assets are assets used by the business to generate profits over a long period of time. Includes Land, Property, Equipment and Machinery
Intangible Assets are non physical assets. Includes patents and franchising agreements.
Define Current Liabilities
Define Non Current Liabilities
Current Liabilities are debts owed by the business to be paid within one year. Includes Loans and Payables.
Non-Current liabilities relate are long term debts that do not need to be repaid for at least a year. Include bank loans and mortgages
Define Shareholder Equity
Is the final section of the balance sheet providing a summary of what is owed to the owners of the business.
Give the formula for the Current Ratio
Current Assets / Current Liabilities x 100%
Give the formula for the Acid Test Ratio
(Current Assets - Inventories) / Current Liabilities x 100%