The price of a bulk buy of oxtails will depend on a number of components. Weight per case, the provider, and the geographic location all affect the ultimate value. For instance, a restaurant buying a 40-pound case from a wholesale butcher will possible pay a distinct value per pound in comparison with a person purchaser buying a smaller amount from an area grocery retailer. Moreover, costs are likely to fluctuate primarily based on market circumstances reminiscent of provide, demand, and seasonal availability.
Understanding the pricing construction for bigger portions of oxtails provides vital benefits for each companies and customers. Eating places can precisely estimate ingredient prices for menu planning and stock administration. For people internet hosting massive gatherings or getting ready meals for freezer storage, shopping for in bulk can provide potential value financial savings. Traditionally, oxtail was thought-about a much less fascinating lower of beef, contributing to its cheaper price. Nevertheless, rising recognition of its wealthy taste and flexibility in varied cuisines has led to an increase in reputation and subsequent value changes in some markets.
This text will delve additional into the specifics of oxtail pricing, exploring components like common weight per case, typical value ranges primarily based on provider kind, and regional value variations. Moreover, we’ll talk about methods for locating the most effective offers on oxtails, together with evaluating costs from completely different suppliers and contemplating seasonal availability.
1. Provider Sort
Provider kind considerably influences oxtail pricing. Completely different suppliers function inside distinct market segments, impacting their pricing buildings. Nationwide wholesale suppliers, typically catering to large-volume purchasers like restaurant chains, usually provide decrease per-unit prices as a consequence of economies of scale. Regional distributors, serving a smaller geographic space, might have barely increased costs however provide benefits in specialised product data and personalised service. Native butchers and grocery shops, specializing in particular person customers, typically have the best per-unit prices as a consequence of decrease buying volumes and better overhead. Selecting a provider entails balancing value concerns with different components like order minimums, supply choices, and product high quality.
For instance, a big restaurant chain may safe a cheaper price per pound from a nationwide wholesaler for a 40-pound case of oxtails in comparison with a small, impartial restaurant buying a 10-pound case from a regional distributor. A house cook dinner buying a couple of kilos from an area butcher will possible encounter the best per-pound value. Understanding these supplier-specific pricing dynamics permits purchasers to strategize successfully. Whereas a nationwide wholesaler may provide enticing pricing, they might additionally impose excessive minimal order portions unsuitable for smaller companies or people. Conversely, an area butcher might provide larger flexibility so as dimension however at a premium value. Sensible concerns, reminiscent of storage capability and consumption charge, additionally play a job in figuring out essentially the most acceptable provider.
Choosing the optimum provider requires cautious evaluation of varied components past value. Balancing value effectivity with logistical practicality and product high quality ensures knowledgeable buying choices aligned with particular wants and circumstances. This strategic method optimizes useful resource allocation and contributes to long-term value administration.
2. Case Weight
Case weight is a pivotal issue influencing the general value of oxtails. A transparent understanding of the connection between case weight and value is important for efficient budgeting and value administration, whatever the buying scale. This part explores the varied aspects of case weight and its implications on oxtail pricing.
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Normal Case Sizes
Oxtails are usually bought in instances starting from 10 to 50 kilos, with 40 kilos being a standard dimension for wholesale purchases. Smaller instances, reminiscent of 10 or 20 kilos, typically cater to smaller eating places or particular person customers. The chosen case dimension immediately impacts the whole value, as bigger instances typically provide a cheaper price per pound however require the next upfront funding. For instance, a 40-pound case may cost $200 ($5/lb), whereas a 10-pound case may cost $60 ($6/lb). Selecting the suitable case dimension requires cautious consideration of storage capability, consumption charge, and finances constraints.
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Value per Pound vs. Whole Case Value
Whereas bigger instances typically present a cheaper price per pound, focusing solely on this metric could be deceptive. Its essential to calculate the whole case value to precisely assess the monetary dedication. A decrease per-pound value in a bigger case should still lead to a considerably increased whole value. Evaluating whole case costs throughout completely different suppliers and case sizes ensures a complete understanding of the fee implications. As an example, a 50-pound case at $4.50/lb totals $225, whereas a 20-pound case at $5.50/lb totals $110. The decrease per-pound value of the bigger case does not essentially translate to general financial savings if the whole amount is not required.
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Storage and Dealing with Issues
Bigger case sizes necessitate enough space for storing and acceptable dealing with procedures to attenuate spoilage. Freezer area limitations can limit the feasibility of buying bigger instances, even when they provide a decrease per-pound value. Correct stock administration and storage practices are essential to keep away from product loss and maximize the worth of bulk purchases. For instance, a restaurant with restricted freezer capability may be higher served buying smaller, extra frequent shipments of oxtails, even at a barely increased per-pound value, to keep away from spoilage and waste.
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Consumption Price and Waste Administration
Projecting the consumption charge of oxtails is essential for figuring out the suitable case dimension. Overestimating consumption can result in extra stock and potential spoilage, negating the fee advantages of bulk buying. Correct demand forecasting and environment friendly stock administration decrease waste and maximize the return on funding. A catering enterprise, for example, ought to rigorously assess the amount of oxtails wanted for upcoming occasions to find out the suitable case dimension, minimizing potential waste from overstocking.
Finally, the optimum case weight hinges on a cautious steadiness between value effectivity, storage capability, and projected consumption. A complete evaluation of those components ensures that buying choices align with particular operational wants and budgetary parameters. By contemplating these interrelated components, companies and people can successfully leverage case weight to optimize their oxtail procurement technique.
3. Geographic Location
Geographic location performs a major position in oxtail pricing as a consequence of variations in provide, demand, and transportation prices. Areas with excessive oxtail consumption and restricted native provide typically expertise increased costs as a consequence of elevated reliance on imports and better transportation bills. Conversely, areas with sturdy native provide and decrease demand are likely to have decrease costs. For instance, oxtail costs may be increased in a serious metropolitan space with a big Caribbean inhabitants identified for its oxtail dishes, in comparison with a rural space with decrease demand and nearer proximity to cattle farms. Moreover, transportation logistics affect pricing; distant places with restricted entry to main transportation hubs might face increased supply prices, impacting the ultimate value.
The space between the provider and the purchaser additionally contributes to cost fluctuations. Longer distances necessitate increased transportation prices, which are sometimes handed on to the patron. That is notably related for companies counting on nationwide suppliers, as transport prices can add a considerable quantity to the general expense. Furthermore, regional variations in the price of residing and working bills for suppliers can even affect pricing. Areas with increased labor prices and overhead bills for companies might even see these mirrored in increased oxtail costs. Understanding these geographic influences gives invaluable context for deciphering value variations throughout varied markets. As an example, evaluating costs between a coastal metropolis reliant on imported oxtails and a landlocked area with a robust native cattle trade illustrates the impression of location on pricing.
Strategic sourcing and understanding regional market dynamics can assist mitigate the impression of geographic location on oxtail pricing. Companies can discover partnerships with regional distributors or contemplate consolidating orders to scale back transportation prices. People can examine costs from completely different native suppliers and think about journey bills when buying from distant places. Recognizing the interaction between geographic components and oxtail pricing empowers each companies and customers to make knowledgeable buying choices. This consciousness facilitates value optimization methods tailor-made to particular geographic circumstances.
4. Market Circumstances
Market circumstances exert a substantial affect on oxtail costs. Fluctuations in provide and demand, pushed by components reminiscent of client preferences, financial local weather, and even climate patterns, immediately impression the fee. Elevated demand coupled with restricted provide can drive costs upward, whereas decreased demand or oversupply can result in decrease costs. For instance, a sudden surge within the reputation of oxtail dishes in a selected area might result in elevated demand, probably outpacing provide and driving up prices. Conversely, disruptions within the provide chain, reminiscent of livestock ailments or transportation points, might restrict availability and inflate costs no matter demand.
Financial downturns can even affect client conduct and buying choices. In periods of financial hardship, customers might shift in direction of extra reasonably priced protein choices, probably decreasing demand for oxtails and main to cost changes. Moreover, exterior components like commerce insurance policies and worldwide market developments can even impression home oxtail costs. Modifications in import/export rules or fluctuations in world beef costs can affect the provision and value of oxtails inside a selected market. As an example, tariffs on imported beef might enhance the price of oxtails sourced from worldwide suppliers, impacting general market costs. Understanding these interconnected market dynamics is important for predicting value developments and making knowledgeable buying decisions.
Navigating fluctuating market circumstances requires cautious monitoring and adaptableness. Companies concerned within the meals service trade profit from staying knowledgeable about market developments to anticipate value adjustments and modify buying methods accordingly. This proactive method permits for efficient menu pricing and stock administration. Customers can even profit from understanding market forces. Consciousness of seasonal developments, financial influences, and potential provide chain disruptions can inform buying choices and assist determine alternatives for value financial savings. By recognizing the interaction of those components, each companies and customers can navigate the dynamic oxtail market successfully.
5. Seasonal Availability
Seasonal availability exerts a refined but discernible affect on oxtail pricing. Whereas not as pronounced as different components like provider kind or market circumstances, seasonal fluctuations in provide can result in value changes. Understanding these seasonal patterns permits for knowledgeable buying choices and potential value optimization.
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Vacation Demand
Demand for oxtails typically will increase throughout sure vacation intervals, notably these related to conventional feasts and household gatherings. This heightened demand can result in momentary value will increase as suppliers reply to market pressures. For instance, elevated demand throughout Thanksgiving or Christmas may result in a short lived spike in oxtail costs as a consequence of their inclusion in conventional vacation menus. Planning forward and buying oxtails earlier than these peak seasons can assist mitigate the impression of vacation value surges.
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Seasonal Butchering Practices
Conventional butchering practices can even affect seasonal availability. In some areas, sure cuts of meat, together with oxtails, may be extra available throughout particular instances of the 12 months as a consequence of customary butchering schedules or seasonal livestock administration. This could create intervals of relative abundance or shortage, influencing market costs accordingly. Consciousness of those regional practices can present insights into potential value fluctuations and inform buying methods.
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Climate-Associated Provide Chain Disruptions
Extreme climate occasions, reminiscent of heavy snowstorms or flooding, can disrupt transportation networks and impression the provision chain. These disruptions can restrict the provision of oxtails in sure areas, probably main to cost will increase. Flexibility in sourcing and sustaining buffer stock can assist mitigate the impression of weather-related provide chain disruptions.
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Preservation and Storage Strategies
Developments in preservation and storage methods, reminiscent of flash freezing, have lowered the seasonality of sure meals merchandise, together with oxtails. Whereas contemporary oxtails may exhibit some seasonal availability, frozen choices are typically obtainable year-round, providing value stability and constant entry. Leveraging frozen oxtails can present a dependable and cost-effective resolution for companies and customers looking for constant product availability all year long.
By understanding the interaction of those seasonal components, buying choices could be optimized for each value effectivity and product availability. Whereas the impression of seasonality may be much less pronounced than different market forces, recognizing these refined shifts permits for proactive planning and knowledgeable buying methods. This consciousness empowers each companies and customers to navigate the oxtail market successfully and safe the very best worth.
6. High quality Grade
High quality grade considerably influences oxtail pricing. Just like different cuts of beef, oxtails are topic to high quality grading primarily based on components like marbling, maturity, and general look. Greater grades, indicating superior high quality, command premium costs, whereas decrease grades are usually extra reasonably priced. Understanding the nuances of high quality grading permits for knowledgeable buying choices aligned with budgetary constraints and culinary targets.
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USDA Grading System
America Division of Agriculture (USDA) grading system gives a standardized framework for assessing beef high quality. Whereas oxtails are usually not usually graded with the identical rigor as steaks or roasts, suppliers typically use related standards to categorize high quality. Greater grades, reminiscent of “Selection” or “Prime,” denote superior marbling and tenderness, resulting in increased costs. Decrease grades, reminiscent of “Choose,” provide a extra economical possibility however might have much less marbling and require longer cooking instances to attain tenderness.
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Provider-Particular Requirements
Along with USDA grades, suppliers typically make use of their very own inner high quality requirements. These requirements might embody components such because the supply of the oxtails, processing strategies, and packaging. Understanding supplier-specific high quality designations helps discern potential value variations past conventional grading programs. As an example, some suppliers may provide “premium” oxtails from grass-fed cattle, commanding the next value as a consequence of perceived high quality variations. Evaluating provider requirements permits for knowledgeable choice primarily based on particular high quality preferences.
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Visible Inspection and Choice
When buying oxtails from native butchers or markets, visible inspection provides invaluable insights into high quality. Search for oxtails with a wholesome, reddish-brown coloration, good marbling, and minimal floor discoloration. The quantity of meat on the bones additionally influences worth; meatier oxtails typically provide higher worth in comparison with these with extreme bone. Cautious visible evaluation aids in choosing high-quality oxtails even within the absence of formal grading.
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Affect on Culinary Software
High quality grade influences the culinary utility of oxtails. Greater-grade oxtails, with their superior marbling, are well-suited for braising and stewing, yielding tender and flavorful outcomes. Decrease-grade oxtails, whereas requiring longer cooking instances, can nonetheless produce scrumptious dishes, notably in functions the place the oxtails are slow-cooked till fall-off-the-bone tender. Choosing the suitable high quality grade primarily based on the meant cooking methodology ensures optimum culinary outcomes.
Finally, the selection of high quality grade will depend on a steadiness between budgetary concerns and desired culinary outcomes. Greater-grade oxtails provide superior tenderness and taste, justifying the premium value for discerning palates. Decrease-grade oxtails present a extra economical possibility with out considerably compromising taste, particularly when using acceptable cooking methods. Understanding the interaction between high quality grade and value empowers knowledgeable buying choices aligned with particular culinary targets and budgetary constraints.
7. Minimal Order Measurement
Minimal order dimension considerably impacts oxtail procurement, particularly for companies. Suppliers typically implement minimal order necessities to streamline logistics and keep profitability. This issue immediately influences each the whole value and the feasibility of buying oxtails, notably for smaller companies or particular person customers. Wholesale suppliers, providing decrease per-unit costs, typically impose increased minimal order portions. This could current a problem for smaller institutions with restricted storage capability or decrease oxtail consumption charges. For instance, a wholesaler may require a minimal order of 40 kilos, which may very well be extreme for a small restaurant solely utilizing 10 kilos per week. Conversely, smaller suppliers, like native butchers, might need decrease minimums or none in any respect, however usually cost increased per-unit costs.
The interaction between minimal order dimension and general value necessitates cautious consideration. Whereas bulk buying by way of a wholesaler with a excessive minimal order may provide a decrease per-pound value, the whole value and potential for waste have to be evaluated. If the required minimal order exceeds anticipated utilization, extra stock can result in spoilage and monetary loss, negating any potential financial savings from the decrease unit value. For instance, buying a 40-pound case at $4/lb to avoid wasting $1/lb in comparison with an area butcher, however solely utilizing 20 kilos earlier than spoilage, leads to a internet loss. Conversely, adhering to decrease minimums from smaller suppliers, regardless of increased per-unit prices, can mitigate waste and align with precise consumption wants. Balancing the advantages of bulk reductions towards the dangers of overstocking is essential for optimizing oxtail procurement methods.
Efficient oxtail procurement requires strategic evaluation of minimal order necessities in relation to storage capability, consumption charge, and budgetary constraints. Cautious evaluation of those components permits companies and people to make knowledgeable choices that steadiness value effectivity with sensible operational concerns. Failure to account for minimal order sizes can result in pointless bills and product waste. Aligning buying choices with precise wants ensures cost-effective procurement and minimizes monetary threat.
8. Delivery Prices
Delivery prices characterize an important part in figuring out the whole value of a case of oxtails, notably when procuring from non-local suppliers. Transportation bills considerably affect the ultimate value and necessitate cautious consideration when evaluating suppliers and evaluating general affordability. Understanding the varied components impacting transport prices is important for optimizing procurement methods and minimizing general expenditure.
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Distance and Location
The space between the provider and the purchaser immediately correlates with transport prices. Longer distances necessitate larger gasoline consumption and elevated transportation time, leading to increased bills. Moreover, distant places or these with restricted entry to main transportation hubs might incur extra surcharges as a consequence of logistical complexities. Evaluating transport prices from suppliers in numerous geographic places can reveal substantial value variations and inform strategic sourcing choices. As an example, procuring from a regional provider may be less expensive than a distant nationwide provider, even when the per-unit value is barely increased, as a consequence of lowered transport bills.
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Delivery Technique and Provider
The chosen transport methodology and service considerably impression value. Normal floor transport usually provides essentially the most economical possibility however might contain longer transit instances. Expedited transport, whereas quicker, incurs premium fees. Completely different carriers provide various charges and repair ranges; evaluating quotes from a number of carriers, reminiscent of FedEx, UPS, and USPS, can determine potential value financial savings. Selecting the suitable transport methodology entails balancing pace and value concerns. For instance, choosing customary floor transport for non-perishable items may be a cheap alternative, whereas expedited transport turns into essential for perishable objects requiring fast supply.
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Case Weight and Dimensions
The burden and dimensions of the oxtail case issue into transport calculations. Heavier and bigger instances typically incur increased transport charges. Suppliers might provide completely different packaging choices, impacting each weight and dimensions; exploring different packaging decisions can probably cut back transport prices. As an example, choosing vacuum-sealed packaging, whereas probably rising the per-unit value, may cut back the general bundle dimension and weight, resulting in decrease transport bills and probably offsetting the elevated packaging value.
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Gas Surcharges and Accessorial Charges
Fluctuating gasoline costs and extra accessorial charges can even affect transport prices. Carriers typically implement gasoline surcharges to offset rising gasoline bills, which may add a variable part to transport calculations. Accessorial charges, reminiscent of residential supply fees or liftgate providers, can even contribute to the ultimate value. Understanding these potential extra fees permits for correct value projections and knowledgeable provider comparisons. For instance, evaluating provider quotes that embody or exclude gasoline surcharges and different accessorial charges gives a extra correct evaluation of whole transport prices.
Cautious consideration of those components permits for optimization of transport prices and contributes to knowledgeable buying choices. By evaluating the interaction between distance, transport methodology, case dimension, and potential surcharges, companies and people can decrease transportation bills and finally cut back the whole value of buying a case of oxtails. This strategic method to transport value administration enhances general procurement effectivity and contributes to budgetary management.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to oxtail pricing and procurement, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable buying choices.
Query 1: What’s the common value per pound of oxtails?
The common value fluctuates considerably primarily based on components mentioned beforehand, reminiscent of provider kind, geographic location, and market circumstances. Usually, costs can vary from $4 to $10 per pound, with higher-quality grades and particular market circumstances probably exceeding this vary.
Query 2: The place can one buy a case of oxtails?
Oxtails could be bought from varied sources, together with nationwide wholesale suppliers, regional distributors, native butchers, grocery shops, and on-line retailers. Every provider kind provides distinct benefits and drawbacks relating to value, minimal order portions, and product availability.
Query 3: How a lot does a 40-pound case of oxtails usually value?
A 40-pound case usually prices between $160 and $400, relying on the components outlined all through this text. Exact pricing requires contacting particular suppliers and offering particulars relating to location and desired high quality.
Query 4: Are there cost-saving methods for buying oxtails?
A number of methods can assist decrease oxtail bills. Evaluating costs from a number of suppliers, contemplating decrease high quality grades for sure functions, and precisely projecting consumption to keep away from waste are efficient cost-saving measures.
Query 5: How ought to oxtails be saved to take care of high quality and freshness?
Correct storage is essential for preserving oxtail high quality. Recent oxtails needs to be refrigerated and consumed inside a couple of days. For longer-term storage, freezing is really useful. Vacuum-sealed packaging can additional lengthen freezer storage life and keep optimum high quality.
Query 6: How does the value of oxtails examine to different cuts of beef?
Traditionally, oxtails have been thought-about a much less fascinating lower and priced accordingly. Nevertheless, rising reputation has led to cost will increase in some markets. Oxtails could be dearer than some frequent cuts like floor beef however cheaper than premium cuts like ribeye or tenderloin.
Understanding these continuously requested questions and the great info introduced all through this text empowers knowledgeable buying choices and facilitates efficient value administration when procuring oxtails.
For additional insights into particular pricing and availability, contacting suppliers immediately is really useful. The next part gives a listing of oxtail suppliers categorized by area and provider kind.
Suggestions for Optimizing Oxtail Procurement
Strategic sourcing and knowledgeable buying choices are important for optimizing oxtail acquisition. The next suggestions present sensible steering for navigating the complexities of oxtail pricing and procurement.
Tip 1: Analysis A number of Suppliers: Completely analysis varied suppliers, together with nationwide wholesalers, regional distributors, and native butchers. Evaluating costs, minimal order necessities, and supply choices ensures the very best worth.
Tip 2: Take into account High quality Wants: Align high quality grade with culinary targets. Premium grades, whereas dearer, provide superior tenderness and marbling. Decrease grades suffice for slow-cooked dishes and provide value financial savings.
Tip 3: Undertaking Consumption Precisely: Exact consumption projections are essential, particularly when buying in bulk. Overestimating wants results in spoilage and monetary loss. Correct forecasting aligns buying choices with precise utilization.
Tip 4: Think about Delivery Prices: Completely consider transport prices, particularly when sourcing from non-local suppliers. Evaluate service charges, contemplate expedited transport choices for perishable items, and think about potential gasoline surcharges.
Tip 5: Negotiate Pricing: Do not hesitate to barter pricing with suppliers, particularly for big quantity orders. Establishing long-term relationships with suppliers can unlock preferential pricing and constant product availability.
Tip 6: Discover Seasonal Alternatives: Pay attention to potential seasonal value fluctuations and plan purchases accordingly. Buying earlier than peak demand intervals, reminiscent of holidays, can mitigate value will increase.
Tip 7: Consider Storage Capability: Assess obtainable storage capability earlier than committing to massive bulk purchases. Insufficient storage can result in spoilage and negate the fee advantages of bulk reductions.
Tip 8: Perceive Market Traits: Keep knowledgeable about market circumstances, provide chain dynamics, and client developments. This consciousness permits for proactive buying methods and knowledgeable pricing choices.
Implementing these methods permits for efficient value administration and ensures constant entry to high-quality oxtails. Cautious planning and knowledgeable buying choices contribute considerably to optimizing oxtail procurement and reaching desired culinary outcomes.
This assortment of insights and sensible recommendation concludes with a remaining abstract and actionable suggestions for procuring oxtails successfully.
Understanding Oxtail Prices
Figuring out the price of a case of oxtails requires a nuanced understanding of a number of interconnected components. Provider kind, case weight, geographic location, market circumstances, seasonality, high quality grade, minimal order dimension, and transport prices all contribute to the ultimate value. Strategic sourcing, cautious planning, and knowledgeable decision-making are essential for optimizing procurement and managing bills successfully. Whereas bulk buying can provide potential value financial savings, components reminiscent of storage capability, consumption charge, and minimal order necessities have to be rigorously evaluated to keep away from pointless waste and monetary losses. Prioritizing high quality alignment with culinary targets ensures optimum worth and desired culinary outcomes.
Efficient oxtail procurement requires ongoing market evaluation, provider relationship administration, and adaptableness to fluctuating market dynamics. Knowledgeable buying choices, pushed by a complete understanding of those influencing components, contribute to cost-effective acquisition and profitable culinary endeavors. Additional analysis and direct engagement with suppliers are inspired for exact pricing and availability info tailor-made to particular wants and circumstances.
