Price adaptation in export markets

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key factors that influence price adaptation in export markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was tested empirically using data collected by mail questionnaire in a sample survey of 140 firms. The results were analysed using structural equation modelling and the method of estimation was maximum likelihood (ML). Various statistical tests show that the results were reliable and valid.

Findings

The results reported here suggest that while controlling for the size of the firm, the degree of price adaptation is strongly influenced and conditioned by the degree of product, promotion, and distribution adaptation as well as by the differences that exist between the home and the foreign market.

Originality/value

Despite calls for research on the adaptation of pricing in export markets little headway has been made in understanding the issue in the literature. This study adds to the limited empirical research work done in this area. Although past research points to a link between product adaptation and price adaptation and between distribution adaptation and price adaptation, empirical research that includes simultaneously the link between the three elements of the marketing mix (product, promotion, and distribution adaptation) and price adaptation is largely missing in the literature. These relationships have been tested in this paper and found to be relevant to the understanding of pricing in international markets.

Citation

Sousa, C.M.P. and Bradley, F. (2009), "Price adaptation in export markets", European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 43 No. 3/4, pp. 438-458. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090560910935514