We study the optimal (i.e. revenue maximizing) auction of multiple products. We make three major points. First, we extend the relationship between price discrimination and optimal auctions from the single-product case to the multiple-product case. A monopolist setting prices for multiple products may offer discounts on purchases of bundles of products; similarly, the optimal auction of multiple products facilitates price discrimination by allocating products inefficiently to customers who are willing to purchase both products. Second, we demonstrate that optimal auctions are qualitatively distinct from monopoly sales of multiple products. Because of uncertainty about the values of other consumers, two products are bundled probabilistically in an optimal auction for a customer who is willing to buy both of them. A customer may then receive a discount on a lower-valued product without receiving a higher-valued product. Third, we show that in an optimal auction of two products the allocation of one product may vary with the amount of competition for the other product. Copyright 2000 by The Review of Economic Studies Limited
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Jehiel, Philippe & Meyer-Ter-Vehn, Moritz & Moldovanu, Benny, 2006.
"Mixed Bundling Auctions,"
CEPR Discussion Papers
5566, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
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Philippe Jehiel & Moritz Meyer-Ter-Vehn & Benny Moldovanu, 2006.
"Mixed Bundling Auctions,"
Levine's Bibliography
122247000000001123, UCLA Department of Economics.
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Philippe Jehiel & Moritz Meyer-ter-Vehn & Benny Moldovanu, 2006.
"Mixed Bundling Auctions,"
Discussion Papers
141, SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, University of Munich.
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