All-a-cart pricing
A pricing model where each product or component is sold separately, rather than in a bundle. This is proposed as the remedy for Microsoft's anti-competitive bundling, ensuring customers can choose and pay for only the products they want.
First Mentioned
9/29/2025, 5:46:50 AM
Last Updated
9/29/2025, 5:54:14 AM
Research Retrieved
9/29/2025, 5:54:14 AM
Summary
All-a-cart pricing is a business strategy where products or services are offered and priced individually, rather than as a bundled package. This approach allows customers flexibility and transparency in their purchases. It is discussed as a potential fair market solution in antitrust contexts, specifically in response to the European Union's charges against Microsoft for allegedly stifling competition by bundling Microsoft Teams for free with its dominant Office suite, a case initiated by a complaint from Salesforce. The debate around all-a-cart pricing questions whether bundling ultimately hinders innovation or benefits consumers.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Definition
A business strategy or menu style where items are individually priced and ordered separately, not as part of a pre-set meal or package.
Pricing Model
Each item is priced separately; often higher per-item than bundled options to compensate for lack of bundled side dishes or higher-margin items.
Core Principle
Customers select and pay for each item individually.
Origin of Term
French, 'à la carte', meaning 'on the card' or 'by the card/menu'.
Business Benefit
Potential for higher sales/earnings (if customers buy more), higher margins on individual items.
Customer Benefit
Flexibility, customization, transparent pricing, control over budget, caters to individual preferences.
Application Context
Restaurant industry, professional photography, general business services.
Business Disadvantage
Unpredictable sales, requires careful pricing and menu composition, operational demands.
Customer Disadvantage
Can be more expensive overall, final bill less predictable.
Timeline
- The European Union charges Microsoft with Antitrust Violations over its business strategy of bundling Microsoft Teams with its Office suite, following a complaint from Salesforce. This action sparks a debate on whether bundling harms innovation or benefits consumers, with all-a-cart pricing suggested as a fair market solution. (Source: Document 28001a20-9fce-4535-b8ec-e9c6b4f56503)
2024-07-01
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaGolf cart
A golf cart (alternatively known as a golf buggy or golf car) is a small motorized vehicle designed originally to carry two golfers and their golf clubs around a golf course with less effort than walking. Over time, variants were introduced that were capable of carrying more passengers, had additional utility features, or were certified as a street legal low-speed vehicle. A traditional golf cart, capable of carrying two golfers and their clubs, is generally around 4 feet (1.2 m) wide, 8 feet (2.4 m) long and 6 feet (1.8 m) high, weighing between 900 and 1,000 pounds (410 and 450 kg) and capable of speeds up to about 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). The golf carts usually have four wheels, although the three-wheeled autoettes were marketed, among other uses, for golfing.
Web Search Results
- A La Carte Pricing Or Collections For Professional Photographers
### Overview #### A La Carte Pricing This method of selling goods and services allows the customer to pick and choose what they would like to purchase. A la carte translates from French to “by the bill of fare, ” or “add it to the check”. It’s a restaurant term referring to ordering individual items off the menu rather than a fixed-price menu or plate. It’s a way to customize a purchase. #### Collections [...] A la carte pricing sales can be freeing for the customer but unpredictable for the business owner. Allowing the client to determine the sale might mean they shop until the credit card says no more, or they squeak by with the bare minimum. While all your services have profits built-in, higher sales mean higher earnings. ### Collection Pricing #### PROS [...] + Pre-designed collections bring popular services and products together creating clarity about what’s best for the occasion. Your professional photography expertise helps clients get what they really need. + Collections offer a slight discount off of the a la carte pricing when all the items are selected together. Collections have a greater perceived value and service. + Starting with a fixed set of items doesn’t mean you can add on. Collections can be customized with upgrades. #### CONS
- What Does A La Carte Mean? - Chowbus POS
2. Transparent Pricing: Each item on an a la carte menu is priced individually. Transparency in pricing is crucial as it allows customers to make informed decisions based on their budget. Ensure your menu clearly displays the prices next to each item, avoiding hidden charges. [...] The term “à la carte” is derived from French, meaning “according to the card,” where “the card” refers to the menu. It describes a menu style where dishes are listed and priced separately, offering diners the liberty to compose their meal from an array of individual options rather than being confined to a pre-set menu. This method not only enhances the dining experience by offering flexibility but also caters to individual dietary preferences and budget considerations. It is a culinary approach [...] While a la carte dining offers numerous advantages, it also comes with its set of challenges that require careful consideration and strategic planning. 1. Menu Pricing and Composition: Finding the right balance in menu pricing is crucial. Prices should reflect the quality and portion size of the dishes while remaining competitive. Additionally, crafting a menu that offers variety without overwhelming the kitchen or the customer can be challenging. 2. Operational Demands:
- A La Carte: A La Carte Meaning, Table Cover and Sample Menu
Another defining feature of the a la carte menu is that it’s priced differently than the rest of the menu. A la carte dishes tend to be a bit pricier, ounce-for-ounce, compared to their regular menu counterparts. That’s primarily because the restaurant isn’t selling you numerous side dishes with your entree. Side dishes that tend to have higher margins. So, they’ll raise the price of the a la carte menu item to make up for it. Knowing how to price a menu is key to profitability. [...] Prices on an a la carte menu are typically based on factors such as ingredient costs, preparation time, complexity of the dish, and the restaurant's overhead expenses. Prices may vary for different dishes depending on these factors. ### What Are the Benefits of an A La Carte Menu? [...] A la carte menus can feature a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. The selection may vary depending on the type of cuisine and the restaurant's specialties. ### How Are Prices Determined on an A La Carte Menu?
- What does "a la carte" mean? - AmazingTalker
## "A la carte" is a term used in the restaurant industry to describe a menu where items are individually priced and ordered separately, rather than as part of a pre-set meal. For example, if a restaurant offers a "table d'hôte" or "prix fixe" menu, it might include a starter, main course, and dessert, all for a set price. An "a la carte" menu, on the other hand, would allow the customer to choose and pay for each item separately. [...] ## Here are a few usage examples to help you better understand this expression: "The restaurant has an a la carte menu, so you can order whatever you'd like." "I'm just going to order a la carte – I don't want a full meal." "The hotel offers a la carte services, such as room service and laundry service." "We offer a la carte pricing for our services – you can choose which ones you'd like to use." [...] "A la carte" is a French term that means "on the card" or "by the card." The term is often used in the food and hospitality industry to refer to a menu or list of items that can be ordered separately, rather than as part of a set or package. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any situation in which items or services are offered individually rather than as part of a package. In this context, "a la carte" allows customers or clients to choose and order individual items or services
- Do You Know the Difference Between A La Carte and Prix Fixe Menus
A la carte is a French phrase that means “on the card” or “by the card.” It refers to a style of dining or ordering in which individual dishes are ordered and priced separately rather than being part of a set meal or a fixed-price menu. The term is often used in restaurants, catering, and other food service settings to describe a menu or ordering system that allows customers to choose and pay for individual dishes or items. [...] | Category | À la Carte | Prix Fixe | --- | Definition | Diners select and pay for each menu item individually. | A multi-course meal offered for a fixed total price. | | Pricing | Each item priced separately. | One set price for the entire meal. | | Menu Flexibility | Full flexibility—choose any combination of dishes. | Limited to dishes offered in the prix fixe menu. | | Portion Control | Diners control portions by ordering more or fewer items. | Fixed portions for each course. | [...] On the other hand, a la carte dining can also have some disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be more expensive overall, especially if customers choose many high-priced items. In a fixed-price menu or a buffet, the price is set in advance, so diners know precisely what they will be paying before they order. In an a la carte setting, the final bill can be more challenging to predict, which can be a problem for diners trying to stick to a budget.