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While supply is obtained from stock, the stock is the result of production. In other words, the total quantity of finished goods present with the seller is stock whereas that part of the stock that is offered for sale is a supply. Note: Here, it must be noted that for perishable goods like milk, fruits, vegetables, etc. no distinction exists between stock and supply. In this write-up, we have discussed the differences between stock and supply. Content: Stock Vs Supply
Comparison Chart
Definition of StockStock refers to the total quantity of goods, which are available with the producers during a given period of time. It comprises both – the quantity of goods supplied for sale and the quantity of a commodity stored, hoarded, or withdrawn from the market, to be sold in the future. That is why a stock is also called potential supply. The stock of a commodity is equal to the total quantity of the commodity produced, during a period minus the quantity of the commodity sold. However, all that is produced by the producers, is not offered for sale in the market as a definite part is stored in the warehouses, and released when the prices are favorable. Hence, it is that quantity of the commodity which is present in the market and can be supplied for sale in short notice, is stock. Stock = Unsold goods + Current Production – Current Sales So, the quantity of stock primarily includes the stock in hand. Also, it will include the stock produced but excludes the stock sold, during the year. ExampleThere are four firms operating in the market that manufactures pen. In the month of April, Firm A manufactured 5000 pens and sold 2000 pens, Firm B manufactured 6000 pens and sold 3000 pens, Firm C manufactures 2500 pens and sold 1000 pens, and Firm D manufactured 9000 pens and sold 3500 pens. The unsold stock was 10000 pens. In this way, the total stock of pens is 23000 pens. Also Read: Difference Between Stock and Flow Definition of SupplyIn Economics, the term ‘supply’ can be defined as the various quantities of a commodity which a seller is willing and able to sell, at the different prevailing prices in the market, over a specified period of time. This means that supply does not mean the complete stock of commodity, rather it includes only that portion of goods that is brought to the market by the producers, for the purpose of selling and distribution.
The three aspects of supply are:
The supply of goods is highly affected by the prevalent market price, as the supply of goods tends to increase with the increase in its price and vice versa. Therefore, as the price of the goods rises or falls from time to time, consequently the supply increases or decreases. ExampleA firm manufactures body lotion. In the year 2020, it produced 50000 units of body lotion and the previous stock was 12000 units, out of which 18000 units were offered for sale @ Rs. 200 per unit, 12000 units for Rs 220 and 8000 units for Rs. 235. So, the different quantities of units offered at different prices indicate supply. Also Read: Difference Between Demand and Supply So far we have understood the concept of stock and supply, now let us understand the difference between stock and supply with explanation:
ExampleZyx ltd manufactures notebooks. In the year 2021, it manufactured 10,00,000 notebooks, out of which, the firm supplied 3,00,000 notebooks for sale @ Rs. 150 per notebook, 1,50,000 notebooks for Rs. 180 and 3,00,000 notebooks for Rs. 200 and 2,50,000 for Rs. 210. In the given case, 10,00,000 notebooks represent the stock of notebooks with the manufacturer, whereas the different quantities of notebooks available for sale at different prices are its supply. What is Supply Function?The
functional relationship existing between the total quantity supplied of the goods and the determinants of supply is called the supply function. Determinants of SupplyThe factors influencing the supply of a commodity are discussed here: Price of the Commodity The price of the commodity has a great influence on its supply. This is because, the producer spends a huge amount on the production of goods by arranging the required resources, like land, labor, capital, raw materials, machinery, etc. commonly known as cost of production. The amount invested by the producer in production can be recovered by selling the product at different prices. Hence, higher price fetches higher revenue and so higher will be the supply. Technology used in Production The technology of production plays a crucial role in the supply of the commodity because when new and improved technology of production is used, it reduces the overall investment and increases the profit margin. And this encourages the producers to supply more quantities of commodity. Price of Inputs As the price of the inputs used in the production of the commodity decreases, the total cost of production tends to decrease, and there will be an increase in the profit margin. And this will increase the quantity supplied by the firm. Conversely, when the price of the inputs increases, the overall cost of production increases, and there will be a decrease in the profit margin which discourages the firms to supply more of that commodity at the prevailing prices. Price of Related Goods Suppose a firm produces two gadgets mobiles and tablets, if there is a rise in the price of the mobiles, the firm will be encouraged to produce that with the given resources, as it will fetch more profit to the firm, resulting in a decrease in the supply of tablets. Natural Factors The supply of agricultural produce is greatly influenced by favorable or unfavorable natural conditions, like rain, sunlight, seed quality, irrigation. fertility of the land, climatic conditions, etc. Also, natural calamities like droughts, floods, etc also badly affect the crops. Means of Transport and Communication Modern transportation and communication facility helps in maintaining the supply of the commodity, as it can be easily moved from one location to another without any delay, thus reducing the lead time. Taxes When taxes are imposed at a high rate by the government on a certain commodity, this discourages the firms to produce such commodities, which also reduces their supply. Future Expectations of Price Rise If there is an expectation that the prices might rise in the coming time, then the present supply of the commodity expecting price rise is curtailed, with an aim of increasing the supply when the prices go up. Number of Sellers The total number of sellers existing in the market, often determines the quantity supplied of the commodity, as the higher the number of sellers, the higher would be the quantity supplied. ConclusionAs we all know, prices of goods and services are determined by the market forces, i.e. demand and supply and so when the prevailing prices are low, a lesser quantity is supplied by the seller, even when he has an abundant stock of goods. Contrarily, when the prevailing prices are high, a large quantity is supplied by the seller. So we can say that, when the prices are low, less quantity of goods is supplied. What is the quantity of commodities available for sale in the market *?Supply is a fundamental economic concept that describes the total amount of a specific good or service that is available to consumers. Supply can relate to the amount available at a specific price.
What is supply for a commodity?Supply is the quantity of a commodity which is offered by a firm or a seller at a particular price during a given period of time. In other words, supply is that part of stock which is actually brought into the market for sale.
What is the difference between supply of a commodity and stock of a commodity?The stock of the commodity is based on production, whereas the supply of the commodity depends on price, along with other factors. While the stock of goods is independent of supply, so it can be more than or less than the supply of goods, the Supply of commodity depends on the stock.
What refers to the amount earned by the firm from the sale of given quantity of a commodity in the market at various prices?Hence, the total revenue refers to the amount of money realized by a firm on the sale of a commodity.
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