Contracted Pricing

Table of Contents

    What is Contracted Pricing?

    Contracted pricing is a type of contractual agreement between two parties, typically the buyer and seller, which sets the terms, conditions, and prices associated with a particular product or service.

    This type of pricing gives both sides assurance that they will receive a specific price for the goods or services being exchanged. It also provides predictability and stability when budgeting costs and forecasting sales.

    Synonyms

    • CPQ contracted pricing
    • Client pricing

    Importance of Contracted Pricing

    Contracted pricing can take many forms depending on the type of transaction and industry involved. 

    For example, some contracts may specify that certain products must always be purchased at a specific price, even if the market value fluctuates over time. 

    Other contracts may include discounts or other incentives based on the volume of goods or services purchased within a certain timeframe. In some cases, these contracts may be used to negotiate long-term agreements between suppliers and customers to ensure stable prices over the period of the contract.

    Contracted pricing can also help protect both parties from unforeseen changes in economic conditions and fluctuations in demand. 

    Since these agreements are structured to provide fixed prices for specified amounts of product or services over an extended period of time, there is less risk associated with unstable market forces such as inflation or recessions. 

    This helps businesses budget their expenses over time and plan for future projects more effectively.

    Precautions When Using Contacted Pricing Agreements

    When negotiating contracted pricing agreements, both parties must understand all aspects of setting up and maintaining such an arrangement. 

    There should be clear definitions around what is included in the agreement, any prerequisites that must be met before purchase, payment terms, delivery schedules, quality standards, and dispute resolution policies. 

    Additionally, before signing a contract, all relevant corporate regulations should be considered to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

    Managing Contracted Pricing 

    Managing contracted pricing is an important part of sales operations. There are several steps involved in successfully managing contracted pricing:

    Contract Type

    First, it is vital to understand the types of contracts available and how they work. Contracts can be categorized into three main types: fixed-price agreements, usage-based agreements, and variable-price agreements.

    Each type offers different advantages depending on the company’s needs and situation. With a fixed-price contract, companies pay a predetermined fee for each unit purchased regardless of how long it takes them to use it; this provides stability for both the vendor and the buyer. 

    Usage-based contracts charge based on how much or how often the product is used; this provides an incentive to use more of the product but may be difficult to predict how much will be used in advance. 

    Finally, variable price agreements allow companies to adjust their rate based on market conditions.

    Contract Expectations

    Once an agreement has been made between two parties regarding how they will manage their contracted pricing, all stakeholders must be aware of what is expected from each side and how the particular terms will affect them going forward. 

    This includes any service levels or timelines that have been agreed upon and any discounts or incentives negotiated for certain quantities or purchase periods. 

    Companies should ensure that all relevant personnel understand how these parameters will impact their operations so there are no surprises when invoices come due or deadlines must be met.

    Use CPQ Software

    CPQ systems allow sales teams to select contracted pricing and apply them directly to quotes and orders when creating them. 

    This reduces the time spent manually entering pricing into orders while ensuring accuracy throughout the process. 

    Implement Tracking

    Finally, proper tracking must be implemented. Companies should use contract management software designed for tracking contracts so that everyone involved can access the same information at all times without relying on manual processes or emails exchanged between parties each time data needs to be checked or updated. 

    This also allows for better visibility into how much money is being spent across different departments and how contracts are performing against expectations so management can make informed decisions around future purchases while ensuring they stay within budget parameters as needed.

    Contracted Pricing in CPQ

    Inside Configure Price Quote software (CPQ), contracted pricing enables sales reps to select a negotiated price for a product and continue using that price on future contracts. 

    The negotiated price can be selected for new, renewal, and amendment quotes. Therefore, CPQ is an essential tool in managing contracted pricing.

    Sales reps can create records related to their customer accounts for pricing exceptions and discounts within the contracted pricing tool in CPQ. 

    For example, suppose a sales rep enters a price into a quote. In that case, the CPQ system automatically checks for exceptions in the customer record to determine whether the price should be adjusted.

    Setting Up Contracted Pricing

    When setting up contracted pricing within CPQ systems, there are a few key items users must consider:

    • pricing tiers/breakpoints
    • discounts
    • shipping & handling fees
    • product features & upgrades
    • taxes & surcharges
    • contract duration
    • invoice delivery method
    • order acceptance criteria

    Depending on the contract, these components must be considered when setting up how orders are priced within your CPQ system and how long those prices will remain valid.

    What Contracted Pricing in CPQ Can Do

    Contracted pricing enables sales reps to apply negotiated prices to accounts. When they enter a product with a contracted price into a quote, the sales price is automatically updated to reflect the contracted price.

    Depending on the CPQ software, here are some of the ways the contracted pricing function can be used:

    • Set up specific price records for products for accounts without needing separate price books for those accounts.
    • Apply contracted prices to similar products.
    • Create a contracted price for a product record that is unique to a customer account.
    • Use date ranges to limit when contracted prices can be used.
    • Avoid overlapping of contracted prices.

    Contracted Pricing Analysis

    Built-in analytics tools within CPQ software can provide insights into how contract pricing has performed over time. 

    This sales analysis helps CROs adjust pricing based on customer needs and preferences while still meeting profitability goals.

    People Also Ask

    What does contract price mean?

    Contract price is a fixed amount agreed to by two parties in a contractual agreement. It is the total payment for goods or services received, determined by factors such as materials, labor, and overhead costs. 

    A contract price may also include additional costs such as taxes, freight charges, and any other applicable fees or duties.

    The contract price typically takes into account the time frame for delivery of the goods or completion of the services, as well as any special specifications related to quality or performance standards. 

    This allows both parties to understand what they’re paying for and what type of product or service they receive in return.

    What is special price in CPQ?

    Special pricing in CPQ (configure, price, quote) is a feature that enables businesses and customers to customize their purchasing agreements. It offers a way to modify prices when criteria are met to benefit both the customer and the seller. 

    For example, if a customer purchases multiple products from the same vendor, special pricing may be applied for bulk orders or for meeting other specific conditions. 
    Special pricing also allows sellers to offer incentives such as loyalty discounts that can help drive more sales.

    CPQ software can automate the process of setting up and managing special prices. 
    This helps ensure accuracy, consistency, and scalability when offering customized deals, contracted prices, or promotional campaigns. 

    The CPQ platform provides a comprehensive view of all price structures so that users can easily see what incentives have been agreed upon with each customer and assign the correct pricing accordingly.