The Pricing Guys – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the debut episode of The Pricing Guys!

In this episode, Michael and Avy dive deep into the current buzz around tariffs and the economic implications of the new administration's policies. They explore whether tariffs are a real concern or just a lot of noise and break it all down. The hosts also discuss how companies are reacting—whether they're preparing with multiple business cases or taking a more wait-and-see approach. With insightful commentary on pricing strategies and market resets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the nuances of global trade and pricing adjustments in today’s volatile market.

Tune in to learn how businesses are adapting to these shifts and what you can do to stay ahead!

Welcome to The Pricing Guys podcast!

Join pricing experts and hosts Avy Punwasee and Michael Stanisz, Partners at Revenue Management Labs, as they break down the latest pricing trends, industry insights, and strategies to maximize profitability. From in-depth analyses to real-world applications, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the art and science of pricing.

Watch this space for engaging interviews with key industry decision-makers, insightful discussions, and a touch of banter as we navigate the ever-evolving world of pricing.

Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve!

In this episode of The Pricing Guys, Avy and Michael dig into McDonald’s recent performance slump and ask the tough question: is it really the economy, or is something deeper going on?

They explore whether rising prices at traditional value spots like McDonald’s are pushing customers toward fast casual alternatives, grocery stores, or even doing nothing at all. This episode also looks at how price perception, value trade-offs, and customer segmentation are reshaping the fast food landscape.

In this episode of The Pricing Guys, Avy and Michael dive into the world of pricing transparency from Airbnb rentals to software contracts.

Prompted by a real-life booking experience gone sideways, they unpack the frustration consumers feel when the price you think you’re paying ends up being far from reality. They reflect on how pricing transparency, when done right, can actually be a strategic asset. 

Whether it’s customizing offers based on customer segment or clearly communicating the why behind the price, Avy and Michael argue that transparency isn’t a threat, it’s a differentiator.

What happens when the unexpected disrupts your business formula? Luigi Mangione's case has left people questioning everything they thought they knew about expectations and outcomes. With over $300K raised for his legal fees, he's shown that things don’t always go according to the formula we expect. This got us thinking - what can we learn from this situation?

In business, especially pricing, we often rely on formulas and past behaviors to guide our decisions. We invest in strategies that we believe will bring predictable returns, but when the unexpected happens, it disrupts everything. Many businesses follow the "tried and true" method and launch products with the same pricing research, only to see them fail in the market. Why? Because they overlooked shifts in customer expectations.

Tune in as we break down how the pricing formula isn’t always foolproof, why we need to stay agile, and how to better align your business strategy with what customers truly value.

#ThePricingGuys #RevenueManagementLabs #PricingStrategy #BusinessModels #CustomerValue #PricingInnovation #LuigiMangione

Tariffs have arrived, and their impact is already being felt. Retailers are reacting—Target warns of price increases, while Walmart claims they’ll "manage through." But what does that really mean? Will manufacturers take the hit, or will consumers end up paying more?

From avocados and strawberries to broader supply chain shifts, businesses must act fast—but not recklessly. A strategic, thoughtful approach is key. In this episode, we break down the real cost of tariffs, who will bear the burden, and why starting a trade war helps no one.

Tune in to learn how businesses are adapting to these shifts and what you can do to stay ahead!

#ThePricingGuys #RevenueManagementLabs #ThePeanutButterSpread #Tariffs #tradewar #walmart #target #pricingstrategy

Is AI Making Us Smarter or Just More Reliant?

In this episode of The Pricing Guys, Michael and Avy take a hard look at AI’s impact on pricing strategies, decision-making, and human expertise. With AI being hailed as the next Industrial Revolution, is it truly delivering? Even top industry leaders are questioning its potential - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently shared his concerns, and Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is facing its own AI challenges.

They explore:

• Whether AI has reached its "Excel moment"
• The risks of blindly trusting AI-driven pricing strategies
• How AI tools are shaping (or diminishing) human expertise
• Why gut-checking AI decisions is more crucial than ever

Listen now and decide for yourself—is AI revolutionizing pricing, or is it just another overhyped trend?

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on pricing, strategy, and business!

In this episode of The Pricing Guys, Avy and Michael unpack how tariffs are reshaping forecasting, pricing, and business operations. As some companies abandon forecasting altogether, overwhelmed by scenario fatigue, the conversation shifts to whether that’s a strategic pause or a costly mistake. 

They explore what it means to plan around worst-case scenarios, why pricing should be the first lever pulled and how organizations can avoid short-term thinking when faced with long-term disruption. From supply chain shifts to price positioning, this episode offers a clear-eyed take on leading through uncertainty with resilience and foresight.

Join us for a fast-paced look back at standout moments from the first 10 episodes of The Pricing Guys podcast.

From the real impact of tariffs and AI on pricing to B2B customer dynamics and acquisition breakdowns like Poppy under Pepsi, this highlight reel gives you a quick taste of the conversations shaping today’s pricing world.

💡 Got a topic idea or want to be a guest? Visit https://revenueml.com/the-pricing-guys-podcast, click on the Get Involved button, and send us your ideas.

#PricingStrategy #B2BMarketing #AIinPricing #BusinessGrowth #ThePricingGuys

In this episode of The Pricing Guys, Avy and Michael draw powerful pricing insights from the world of sports contracts, specifically mega-deals like Shohei Ohtani’s.

They explore how concepts like anchoring, deferred value, and portfolio thinking show up in both B2B pricing and professional sports. Through parallels between franchise players and marquee customers, they discuss:

• Why the headline price is rarely the real price
• How to structure deals for long-term value, not just short-term wins
• The strategic logic behind overpaying today to win tomorrow