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The Effect of Reputation on Selling Prices in Auctions

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  • Gürtler, Oliver
  • Grund, Christian

Abstract

In economic approaches it is often argued that reputation considerations influence the behavior of individuals or firms and that reputation influences the outcome of markets. Empirical evidence is rare though. In this contribution we argue that a positive reputation of sellers should have an effect on selling prices. Analyzing auctions of popular DVDs at eBay we, indeed, find support for this hypothesis. Secondary, we unmask the myth that it is promising for eBay sellers to let their auction end at the evening, when many potential buyers may be online.

Suggested Citation

  • Gürtler, Oliver & Grund, Christian, 2006. "The Effect of Reputation on Selling Prices in Auctions," Discussion Paper Series of SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems 114, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, University of Munich.
    • Handle: RePEc:trf:wpaper:114
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    Cited by:

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    2. Christopher Schlägel & Birgitta Wolff, 2007. "Country-Specific Effects of Reputation and Information: A Comparison of Online Auctions in Germany, the UK, and the US," FEMM Working Papers 07027, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Faculty of Economics and Management.
    3. Herrmann, Konstantin & Emrich, Eike & Frenger, Monika & Rasche, Christoph, 2018. "First step developing a early-warning system against corruption for sports associations," Working Papers of the European Institute for Socioeconomics 24, European Institute for Socioeconomics (EIS), Saarbrücken.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Reputation; eBay feedback system; auction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • K12 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Contract Law
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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