Wechselkosten

Wechselkosten, also known as switching costs, are expenses incurred by a customer when changing from one supplier or service provider to another. These costs can be tangible, such as fees for terminating a contract early or purchasing new equipment, or intangible, including the time and effort required to research alternatives, learn new systems, or build new relationships.

In many industries, such as telecommunications, banking, and software, firms actively seek to increase customer switching costs. This strategy aims to foster customer loyalty and reduce churn, as customers become more reluctant to switch if the perceived costs are high. Examples include long-term contracts with penalties for early termination, proprietary technology that requires a significant investment to replace, or loyalty programs that reward customers for staying with a particular provider.

Conversely, consumers may try to minimize or avoid switching costs when making a decision. This can involve choosing providers with flexible contract terms, opting for standardized technologies, or conducting thorough research to understand all potential expenses associated with a switch. Understanding wechselkosten is crucial for both businesses in developing their market strategies and for consumers in making informed choices.