What is one goal of a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)?

The correct answer focuses on how the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is designed to support a manufacturer's merchandise, aiming to create stability in pricing across different retailers. By establishing an MSRP, manufacturers intend to provide a guideline that helps prevent drastic price variations among retailers that could undermine the perceived value of their products. This consistency can also help the manufacturer maintain brand image and customer perception, ensuring that the product is seen as having a certain quality level associated with a certain price point.

In contrast to this, the other options don't accurately reflect the primary objective of an MSRP. Maximizing profit margins for retailers aligns more with retail pricing strategies rather than the manufacturer's intent. Encouraging retailers to charge more does not generally align with the manufacturer's goal for MSRP; it is more about standardization than pushing higher prices. Lastly, eliminating competition from discount retailers is not an explicit function of MSRP, as its aim is not to target specific competitor pricing but rather to create a balanced pricing strategy across the board.