Companies can reduce the impact of the substitute products force in the competitive forces model by:

a$.$ identifying an industry by the customers that it serves and the needs it fulfills rather than by the products it sells and staying focused on ensuring its products meet those needs.

b$.$ increasing its sales volume to spread its overhead and reduce its per$-$piece production costs.

c$.$ working with affiliated companies in other industries to develop accessories for their products that enhance the benefits and functionality of their offerings.

d$.$ pitting component parts manufacturers in competition against each other to reduce production costs and improve quality.