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Economies of Scale vs Economies of Scope


Economies of scale and economies of scope are two different ideas both of which help the company to cut costs of production. Economies of scale focuses on costs that can be saved when there is an increased level of production of one good while economies of scope emphases on total average cost benefits when there is a production of variety of goods.

Economies of Scale

Costs can be saved because they are spread over large number of goods. Variable costs or the costs per unit. For example, to produce tap water, water companies should build huge network of pipes that stretch across wide areas. The costs associated are very high. However, since that will be shared by all the households in that area, the average costs come down.
A large business will have more cost savings with higher production levels.



Economies of Scope

Economies of scope concept is utilized by a company when uses its current resources to diversify into related markets. For example, a farmer may sell corn, meat, milk , chicken etc.
A mineral water selling company can use its marketing and distribution network to start producing vitamin water or flavored water etc.




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