Bill and Farrah have been recently hired by Superior Stereo Systems, a cutting-edge manufacturer of stereo speakers. Both Bill and Farrah have been assigned to work on two product teams, the Superior V, an existing product, and the Superior VI, a brand new speaker technology. The Super V is reviewing the pricing strategy used to this point. Bill, a recent graduate with a degree in economics, is insistent that they should price the speakers to maximize profits. He explains, "It is basic economics companies price their products to maximize products. There's no question this is the strategy that we should take." Farrah, remembering what she learned in her marketing courses, isn't so sure that Bill is on the right track. The technical specifications of the Superior VI speakers have been worked out, but the team is struggling with pricing. Some members of the group think that the speakers should be priced higher than the Superior V, while others are arguing for a lower price.
1. In the past, the price for the Superior V has been slightly higher than similar products offered by competitors. Why would a company use this strategy?
2. How might Superior benefit from using e-catalogues?