WinterDreams, Inc. operates a Rocky Mountain ski resort. The company is planning its lift ticket pricing for the coming ski season. Investors would like to earn a 16% return on the company's $115 million of assets. The company incurs primarily fixed costs to groom the runs and operate the lifts. Winter Dreams projects fixed costs to be $35,600,000 for the ski season. The resort serves 800,000 skiers and snowboarders each season. Variable costs are $8 per guest. Currently, the resort has such a favorable reputation among skiers and snowboarders that it has some control over the lift ticket prices.
1. Would WinterDreams emphasize target costing or cost-plus pricing. Why?
2. If other resorts in the area charge $64 per day, what price should WinterDreams charge?
1. Would WinterDreams emphasize target costing or cost-plus pricing. Why?
WinterDreams should emphasize a approach to pricing because it has been able to differentiate its ski resort from others in the area. Because of its favorable reputation, managers will have control over pricing. Of course, they still need to consider whether the price is within the range customers are willing to pay.