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Semi-nonparametric estimation of secret reserve prices in auctions

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  • Foster, Joshua

Abstract

This letter proposes an estimation method for the distribution of unobservable secret seller reserve prices in auctions. Within the symmetric affiliated private values model, I construct a density estimator using the semi-nonparametric quasi maximum likelihood approach developed by Gallant and Nychka (1987). I then use Monte Carlo experiments to demonstrate its performance in relatively small samples. A discussion on applying this method to structurally similar identification problems is provided.

Suggested Citation

  • Foster, Joshua, 2022. "Semi-nonparametric estimation of secret reserve prices in auctions," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:220:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522003172
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roehrig, Charles S, 1988. "Conditions for Identification in Nonparametric and Parametic Models," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 56(2), pages 433-447, March.
    2. Bernard Elyakime & Jean-Jacques Laffont & Patrice Loisel & Quang Vuong, 1994. "First-Price Sealed-Bid Auctions with Secret Reservation Prices," Annals of Economics and Statistics, GENES, issue 34, pages 71-114.
    3. Greblicki, Wlodzimierz & Pawlak, Miroslaw, 1985. "Pointwise consistency of the hermite series density estimate," Statistics & Probability Letters, Elsevier, vol. 3(2), pages 65-69, April.
    4. Eklof, Matias & Lunander, Anders, 2003. "Open outcry auctions with secret reserve prices: an empirical application to executive auctions of tenant owner's apartments in Sweden," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 114(2), pages 243-260, June.
    5. Gallant, A Ronald & Nychka, Douglas W, 1987. "Semi-nonparametric Maximum Likelihood Estimation," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 55(2), pages 363-390, March.
    6. E. Liebscher, 1990. "Hermite series estimators for probability densities," Metrika: International Journal for Theoretical and Applied Statistics, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 321-343, December.
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    8. Fenton, Victor M & Gallant, A Ronald, 1996. "Erratum [Convergence Rates of SNP Density Estimators]," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 64(6), pages 1493-1493, November.
    9. Tong Li & Isabelle Perrigne, 2003. "Timber Sale Auctions with Random Reserve Prices," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 85(1), pages 189-200, February.
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    11. Levin, Dan & Smith, James L, 1996. "Optimal Reservation Prices in Auctions," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 106(438), pages 1271-1283, September.
    12. Fenton, Victor M & Gallant, A Ronald, 1996. "Convergence Rates of SNP Density Estimators," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 64(3), pages 719-727, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Auctions; Sieve estimator; Secret reserve prices; Nonparametric estimation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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