Workflow: Competitor-Based Price Optimization (AI vs. 2–3 Competitors)

1. User Benefits

This workflow continuously monitors competitor prices and automatically adjusts your selling price within defined limits. Instead of manually checking and changing prices, AI keeps you competitive against 2–3 main competitors per SKU.

• Always price-competitive without constant manual price checks
• Rule-based competition: not always cheapest, but always strategically positioned
• Automated reaction to competitor price drops or increases
• Protection of your margin via minimum price and margin rules
• Works across multiple marketplaces and shops

Result: More Buy Box wins and conversions without destroying profitability.

2. How the Workflow Works

2.1 Data Collection per SKU

The workflow collects all necessary data for price decisions:

• Your current selling price per channel
• Competitor prices (2–3 main competitors per SKU)
• Shipping type & delivery time (you vs. competitors)
• Purchase price, fees, and minimum margin (optional integration with margin check workflow)
• Your minimum and maximum allowed price per SKU

2.2 Competitor Matching

For each SKU, the workflow matches competitors using:

• EAN/GTIN, SKU or product ID, and/or title pattern
• Marketplace offers list (same listing, different sellers)

From all offers, 2–3 key competitors are selected based on:

• Relevance (same product, similar shipping)
• Seller rating or fulfillment (e.g. FBA vs. FBM)
• Frequently winning offers (if data available)

2.3 Pricing Strategy & Rules

AI then applies your pricing rules, for example:

• “Match lowest competitor price, but never go below X € or Y % margin.”
• “Be 0.10–0.50 cheaper than competitor A, equal to competitor B.”
• “If we have better shipping (Prime / 1-day), we may price slightly above.”

Rules can be defined per:

• Marketplace or shop
• Brand, category, or SKU group
• Campaign (e.g. aggressive mode during sale periods)

2.4 Price Calculation & Safeguards

For each SKU, the workflow calculates a new optimal price:

• Positions you correctly vs. 2–3 competitors
• Respects minimum and maximum price limits
• Optionally checks contribution margin (no loss prices)

You can choose between:

• Fully automatic mode (prices go live instantly), or
• Semi-automatic mode (price suggestions go into a review queue).

2.5 Export to Feed / API

Approved prices are exported to:

• CSV/XML feeds for marketplaces and shops, or
• Direct API integrations (e.g. Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Kaufland).

The workflow can run on a schedule (e.g. every 30–60 minutes) or be triggered by competitor price changes if supported.

3. Time Savings for the User

Typical manual effort for competitor-based pricing:

• Checking competitor prices per SKU: 2–5 minutes
• Deciding on a new price per SKU: 1–3 minutes
• Updating prices in tools/marketplaces: 1–2 minutes

Total: 4–10 minutes per SKU per pricing round

With this workflow:

• Effort per SKU: 0–1 minute (only exceptions or special cases)

Typical weekly time savings:

• 100 competitive SKUs → approx. 7–12 hours saved
• 500 SKUs → approx. 30–40 hours saved
• 1,000+ SKUs → 50+ hours saved

Manual competitor monitoring becomes unnecessary – your team focuses on strategy and campaign planning instead of daily price micromanagement.