What does it mean?

Loss-leader

A loss leader is a product or service sold below its cost to attract customers to a business. The idea behind a loss leader is that the business is willing to take a short-term loss on selling a product or service to attract customers who will then purchase other, more profitable products or services.

For example, a grocery store may sell a popular soda brand below its cost, hoping customers will be drawn in by the low price and then purchase other items with higher profit margins. Similarly, a software company may offer a free version of its software to attract customers who will then be willing to pay for premium features.

What Is a Loss Leader and How Can it Benefit Your Business?

A loss leader is a pricing strategy that involves selling a product or service at a price lower than its cost to attract customers to a business. The idea behind a loss leader is that customers will be drawn in by the low price and then purchase other, more profitable products or services from the same business.


While a loss leader may seem counterintuitive, why would a business want to sell a product at a loss? - it can be an effective marketing strategy when executed correctly. In this article, we'll look at what a loss leader is, how it works, and how it can benefit your business.

How a Loss Leader Works

The key to a successful loss leader strategy is to ensure that the product or service sold at a loss is not the only item offered. Instead, the loss leader is used to attract customers to the business, expecting they will then purchase other items with higher profit margins.

For example, a grocery store might sell a popular cereal brand at a price lower than its cost to attract customers. Once the customer is in the store, they may purchase other items like milk, bread, or products with higher profit margins.

Similarly, a software company might offer a free version of its software to attract customers who will then be willing to pay for premium features or upgrades.

Benefits of a Loss Leader Strategy

There are several benefits to using a loss leader strategy:

  1. Attracting New Customers: By offering a product or service at a price below its cost, a business can attract new customers who may have yet to consider the business. This can expand the customer base and increase overall sales.
  2. Building Customer Loyalty: Customers may be more likely to return to the business once they are in the door. By offering high-quality products and services and providing excellent customer service, businesses can build customer loyalty and increase the lifetime value of each customer.
  3. Increasing Sales: By offering a loss leader, businesses can increase overall sales by encouraging customers to purchase additional items that have higher profit margins. This can offset the loss incurred by selling the loss leader at a price below its cost.
  4. Generating Buzz: A well-executed loss leader strategy can generate buzz and excitement around a business, increasing brand awareness and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Risks of a Loss Leader Strategy

While a loss leader strategy can be effective, there are also some potential risks to consider:

  1. Profit Loss: If a business is not careful, offering a loss leader can result in significant profit loss if customers need to purchase more items to offset the cost of the loss leader.
  2. Damage to Brand Image: Offering a low-quality or inferior product as a loss leader can damage a business's brand image and reputation, negatively affecting customer loyalty and sales.
  3. Attracting the Wrong Customers: By offering a loss leader, businesses may attract customers who are only interested in the low price and may not be willing to purchase additional items at full price.

Conclusion

A loss leader is a pricing strategy involving selling a product or service below its cost to attract customers. While a loss leader can be an effective marketing strategy when executed correctly, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks before implementing a loss leader strategy. By offering high-quality products and services, providing excellent customer service, and carefully balancing profit margins, businesses can use a loss leader strategy to attract new customers and increase sales.