Final answer:
When a large number of buyers seek to purchase a firm's products even when prices increase, Porter's force of customers can be said to have Low bargaining power. This tends to strengthen the firm's profitability.
The correct option is 2.
Explanation:
When a significant number of buyers continue to purchase a firm's products despite price increases, it suggests that these buyers have low bargaining power. They are less inclined or able to negotiate for lower prices or demand concessions due to their willingness to buy even with increased prices. This situation tends to strengthen the firm's profitability as it allows the company to potentially raise prices without losing a substantial portion of its customer base.
In Porter's Five Forces framework, low bargaining power of buyers signifies a scenario where customers have less influence over pricing or terms, contributing to the firm's advantage in maintaining profitability.
So, the correct option is 2.