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Supply Chain Frictions

Author

Listed:
  • Ying-Ju Chen

  • Zhengqing Gui

  • Ernst-Ludwig von Thadden

  • Xiaojian Zhao

Abstract

A central problem in supply chains is to coordinate the mismatch between supply and demand along the chain. This paper studies a problem of contracting between a manufacturer and a retailer who privately observes the retail demand materialized after the contracting stage. Under quite general assumptions, we show that the optimal contract must be either a wholesale contract or a buyback contract, depending on the retailer's ex-ante liquidity and bargaining power. In a buyback contract, the manufacturer requests an upfront payment from the retailer and buys back the unsold inventory at a previously agreed price. Depending on downstream liquidity and bargaining power this price may be constant or demand-dependent. Since return shipments are inefficient, retail supply and price will be lower than the first-best level. The optimal contracts are robust to several extensions including multiple retailers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ying-Ju Chen & Zhengqing Gui & Ernst-Ludwig von Thadden & Xiaojian Zhao, 2024. "Supply Chain Frictions," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2024_528, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
  • Handle: RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_2024_528
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law
    • L42 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Vertical Restraints; Resale Price Maintenance; Quantity Discounts
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General

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