hinnatundlikusele

Hinnatundlikus is an Estonian term that refers to the sensitivity or responsiveness of demand to changes in price. It is often used in economic analysis, marketing research, and consumer behaviour studies to understand how price variations influence purchasing decisions.

The concept is closely related to price elasticity of demand in economics. An elastic demand indicates a high hinnatundlikus, meaning consumers change their quantity demanded significantly when price changes. In contrast, inelastic demand signifies low hinnatundlikus, where quantity demanded remains relatively stable even with price fluctuations. The price elasticity coefficient is calculated as the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price.

Several factors affect hinnatundlikus. Availability of substitutes increases price sensitivity because consumers can easily switch products when prices rise. Necessities such as basic food items generally have low hinnatundlikus, whereas non‑essential or luxury goods tend to be more price‑elastic. Income level also plays a role; wealthier consumers may be less price‑sensitive for certain goods. The proportion of income required to purchase the good is another determinant; items that consume a larger share of income become more sensitive to price changes.

Businesses use hinnatundlikus to set pricing strategies, forecast revenue, determine discount policies, and evaluate competitive positioning. Governments may consider price sensitivity when implementing taxes or subsidies, as changes in tax rates can disproportionately affect consumer demand patterns.

In research, measuring hinnatundlikus typically involves survey data, controlled experiments, or analysis of historical sales and price data to calculate elasticity values. Accurate estimation of this metric helps firms and policymakers tailor interventions that align with consumer behaviour and market dynamics.