There are several strategies that can be used to manipulate market prices and undermine the competitiveness of rivals. Here are some examples: 1. **Price-bottoming**: Selling a product or service at a lower price to force rivals to lower their prices as well. This can result in lower profit margins, and rivals may not be able to sustain this strategy for long. 2. **Market share acquisition**: Selling a product or service at a lower-than-normal price to gain market share and drive out rivals. This can make it difficult for rivals to compete, forcing them to exit the market or cut prices. 3. **Price-fixing**: Selling a product or service at a price that rivals cannot compete with, often relying on economies of scale or supply chain advantages. This can prevent rivals from entering the market or expanding their presence. 4. **Price-sacrificing**: Selling a product or service at a low price to gain market share, then raising prices as market share increases. This can make it difficult for rivals to keep up and may cause them to leave the market. 5. **Tying**: Selling related products or services at a low price to enter a new market or split competition. For example, a company may sell one product at a low price, but then charge a high price for maintenance or upgrades. 6. **Placeholder Pricing**: Release a “placeholder” product to fill a gap in the market and prevent a rival from entering. This may make it difficult for a rival to enter the market because the placeholder product already meets a customer need. 7. **Price Cutting**: Slashing prices to clear inventory, enter a new market, or reduce costs. Prices may then increase, but this may make it difficult for rivals to keep up. 8. **Use Price Signals**: Send price signals (e.g., announce price increases) to influence rivals’ behavior or create uncertainty. This may cause rivals to become less aggressive or less competitive. 9. **Dynamic Pricing**: Charge different prices for the same product or service depending on the customer, region, or other factors. This may make it difficult for rivals to keep up because they may have difficulty determining the “right” price. 10. **Partnership with the Supply Chain**: Build strong relationships with suppliers or distributors to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or prevent a rival from entering the market. It is important to note that using these strategies requires careful consideration of competition law, market sentiment, and potential long-term consequences. In addition, the strategies employed must be consistent with the company’s overall business goals and values.