More Whining About Not Being Able to Pass Along Costs

JS Online: Manufacturing outlook dips, but index is still strong:

When I saw this headline (also a WSJ article today), I expected to read something like this:

“‘On profits, I think what you are seeing is pressure coming from higher energy and commodity prices,' Norman said. ‘Many companies have difficulty passing these costs on to their customers in today's competitive environment.'”

In any environment, let alone “today's competitive environment”, what entitles you to pass along costs to customers? The quote above demonstrates the “old” thinking of Price = Cost + Desired Profit.

In the lean mindset, price is driven by the market. In limited cases do you actually have control over prices (say if you have a unique patented product with no competitors). Remember, Profit = Market Price – Your Costs.

If you want to maintain profits, instead of thinking to raise prices (which will almost always drive volume down, it's basic economics), think of how to get lean and reduce costs by eliminating waste.

Keep an eye out for that “old” thinking. It's scary how often you see it and read about it, even in 2005.

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Mark Graban

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus.