To select the best strategy available to them, marketers should consider:

• A. the number of competitors in the market, ignoring consumer demand
• B. the total revenue generated without regard to consumer preferences
• C. only the production costs incurred by the firm
• D. the difference between consumers' willingness to pay and the market price to maximize consumer surplus

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of consumer surplus, which is the difference between what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and the actual market price they pay.
2. Recognize that marketers aiming to select the best strategy should focus on consumer preferences and willingness to pay, rather than ignoring demand or only considering costs or total revenue.
3. Analyze how consumer surplus can guide pricing and marketing strategies by identifying the value consumers place on a product above its market price.
4. Consider that maximizing consumer surplus can lead to increased demand and customer satisfaction, which are crucial for long-term market success.
5. Conclude that the best strategy involves evaluating the difference between consumers' willingness to pay and the market price to optimize consumer surplus, rather than focusing solely on competitors, total revenue, or production costs.