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Directed Search, Coordination Failure, And Seller Profits: An Experimental Comparison Of Posted Pricing With Single And Multiple Prices

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  • NEJAT ANBARCI
  • NICK FELTOVICH

Abstract

We experimentally examine posted pricing and directed search. In one treatment, capacity‐constrained sellers post fixed prices, which buyers observe before choosing whom to visit. In the other, firms post both “single‐buyer” (applied when one buyer visits) and “multibuyer” (when multiple buyers visit) prices. We find, based on a 2 × 2 (two buyers and two sellers) market and a follow‐up experiment with 3 ×2 and 2 × 3 markets, that multibuyer prices can be lower than single‐buyer prices or prices in the one‐price treatment. Also, allowing the multibuyer price does not affect seller profits and increases market frictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Nejat Anbarci & Nick Feltovich, 2013. "Directed Search, Coordination Failure, And Seller Profits: An Experimental Comparison Of Posted Pricing With Single And Multiple Prices," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 54(3), pages 873-884, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:54:y:2013:i:3:p:873-884
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12020
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriele Camera & Jaehong Kim, 2016. "Dynamic directed search," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 62(1), pages 131-154, June.
    2. Nejat Anbarci & Nick Feltovich, 2018. "Pricing in Competitive Search Markets: The Roles of Price Information and Fairness Perceptions," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 64(3), pages 1101-1120, March.

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