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Selling Cross-Border in Online Markets: The Impact of the Ban on Geoblocking Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Marc Bourreau

    (SES - Département Sciences Economiques et Sociales - Télécom ParisTech, ECO-Télécom Paris - Equipe Eco Economie - I3 SES - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation de Telecom Paris - Télécom ParisTech - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Fabio Manenti

    (Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche - Unipd - Università degli Studi di Padova = University of Padua)

Abstract

We develop a model of strategic geoblocking, where two competing multi-channel retailers, located in different countries, can decide to block access to their online store from foreign consumers. We characterize the equilibrium when firms decide unilaterally whether to introduce geoblocking restrictions. We show that geoblocking results in a “puppy dog” strategy (Fudenberg and Tirole, 1984) for firms, which allows them to soften competition, but that it comes at the cost of lower demand. In the short term, a ban on geoblocking leads to lower prices, both offline and online. However, in the longer term, when firms can invest in increasing the demand from online shoppers, the ban may have adverse effects on investment and social welfare. We extend our analysis to account for price discrimination and investigate the role of shipping costs.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Marc Bourreau & Fabio Manenti, 2022. "Selling Cross-Border in Online Markets: The Impact of the Ban on Geoblocking Strategies," Post-Print hal-03861871, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03861871
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijindorg.2022.102892
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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