Absorption Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
Absorption pricing is a pricing strategy where a business allocates all of its fixed costs across the products it sells. This means that the price of each product includes both its variable costs and a portion of the fixed costs. Essentially, the fixed costs are "absorbed" into the pricing of goods, allowing the company to cover all expenses through sales revenue.
Legal Use & context
Absorption pricing is primarily relevant in the areas of business law and accounting. It is often used in financial reporting and cost management to ensure that all costs are accounted for in product pricing. Businesses may need to consider absorption pricing when preparing financial statements or when involved in pricing disputes. Users can manage related forms and procedures through platforms like US Legal Forms, which offer templates for business contracts and financial agreements.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, a furniture manufacturer may calculate the price of a chair by adding the direct materials and labor costs (variable costs) to a share of the factory rent and utilities (fixed costs). This ensures that every chair sold contributes to covering the overall expenses of the business.
(Hypothetical example) A bakery may use absorption pricing to set the price of its cakes, factoring in the cost of ingredients, labor, and a portion of the rent for the bakery space.