What is the primary risk of ignoring competitor stock levels when determining pricing on Amazon.co.jp?
The primary risk of ignoring competitor stock levels when determining pricing on Amazon.co.jp is missing opportunities to increase prices and maximize profits when competitors are low on stock or out of stock altogether. When a competitor's stock dwindles, demand for the remaining available products increases. If a seller is unaware of this situation and maintains a lower price, they are essentially leaving money on the table. For instance, if a popular electronic gadget is temporarily out of stock with major competitors, a seller who has sufficient inventory can significantly increase their price, capitalizing on the increased demand without necessarily losing sales. Ignoring stock levels also leads to undercutting prices unnecessarily, reducing profit margins. If a seller is constantly matching a competitor's price without considering their stock, they might be sacrificing profits even if the competitor is low on inventory and a higher price is justifiable. Failing to monitor competitor stock levels leads to missed opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments that could substantially improve profitability, particularly for popular or seasonal items. If a certain toy is low in stock leading up to Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi), a seller with stock can increase prices without much risk.