Which factor most directly affects a furniture company’s supply?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The factor that most directly affects a furniture company’s supply is the cost of raw materials.
Explanation
The supply of goods from a company is influenced by various factors, but for a furniture company, the cost of raw materials—such as wood, metal, fabric, and foam—is the most direct and immediate determinant. When raw material prices rise, it becomes more expensive for the company to produce furniture. This often leads to a decrease in supply because production becomes less profitable, especially if the company cannot pass on the increased costs to consumers through higher prices. Conversely, when the cost of raw materials falls, the company can afford to produce more furniture at the same or lower cost, increasing supply.
For example, if the price of high-quality wood spikes due to logging restrictions or supply chain disruptions, a furniture company may reduce output or switch to lower-cost materials, potentially affecting quality or design. This reduction in output is a direct response to increased production costs, demonstrating how sensitive supply is to input prices.
This factor is more direct than others such as consumer demand or competition. While demand affects sales, it does not immediately influence the company’s ability to produce, which is what supply is about. Similarly, competition may shape market strategies, but it doesn’t directly change how much a company can produce unless it impacts input costs or production efficiency.
In economic terms, the supply curve shifts when production costs change. Higher input costs shift the supply curve to the left (less supply), while lower costs shift it to the right (more supply). Thus, controlling or forecasting raw material prices is crucial for a furniture company’s supply planning.
Ultimately, the cost of raw materials is the most direct and immediate factor that influences how much furniture a company can supply to the market.
