What are Barriers to Entry?

The Short Answer

Factors that make it hard for new businesses to enter a market and compete with existing ones.

Barriers to Entry explained simply

Barriers to entry are like walls that protect businesses already in a market. They make it tough for new companies to come in and compete. Think of it this way: if it costs a lot of money to start a certain type of business, that high cost is a barrier. If customers are very loyal to existing brands, that loyalty is also a barrier. These barriers help current businesses keep their market share and profits.

Real-World Example

The Software Startup Scenario

Imagine a new software company trying to compete with a giant like Microsoft. Microsoft has a huge customer base, established products, and a lot of money for research and development. The new startup would need a massive investment to build a comparable product, attract customers, and overcome Microsoft's brand recognition. These are significant barriers to entry for the startup.

Why this matters

Understanding barriers to entry is key for anyone looking to start a business or sell one. If you're starting, you need to know what challenges you'll face. If you're selling, strong barriers to entry in your market can make your business more valuable because it's harder for new competitors to pop up.

JH
Joel HernándezTechnology

When you're looking at a business, check out how strong its barriers to entry are. The stronger they are, the more protected that business is from new competition. This makes it a more stable and often more valuable asset.

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