Publications
Publications
- June 1994 (Revised September 1994)
- HBS Case Collection
Beating the Commodity Magnet
By: V. Kasturi Rangan and George T. Bowman
Abstract
All markets follow a cycle of growth and maturity, then commoditization and decline. This note argues that while commoditization of an industry may seem inevitable, the better managed firms find a way to make money in the commodity cycle. These firms know how and when to differentiate their products through innovation, service, and customer partnerships; and how and when to offer a "no-frills" product, and seek cost leadership. Four such strategic options are detailed and discussed. A rewritten version of an earlier note.
Keywords
Citation
Rangan, V. Kasturi, and George T. Bowman. "Beating the Commodity Magnet." Harvard Business School Background Note 594-122, June 1994. (Revised September 1994.)