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Nonlinear Pricing with Underutilization: A Theory of Multi-part Tariffs

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  • Roberto Corrao
  • Joel P. Flynn
  • Karthik A. Sastry

Abstract

We study the nonlinear pricing of goods whose usage generates revenue for the seller and of which buyers can freely dispose. The optimal price schedule is a multi-part tariff, featuring tiers within which buyers pay a marginal price of zero. We apply our model to digital goods, for which advertising, data generation, and network effects make usage valuable, but monitoring legitimate usage is infeasible. Our results rationalize common pricing schemes including free products, free trials, and unlimited subscriptions. The possibility of free disposal harms producer and consumer welfare and makes both less sensitive to changes in usage-based revenue and demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Corrao & Joel P. Flynn & Karthik A. Sastry, 2023. "Nonlinear Pricing with Underutilization: A Theory of Multi-part Tariffs," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 113(3), pages 836-860, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:113:y:2023:i:3:p:836-60
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20220199
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michael D. Grubb & Matthew Osborne, 2015. "Cellular Service Demand: Biased Beliefs, Learning, and Bill Shock," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(1), pages 234-271, January.
    2. Rochet, Jean-Charles, 1987. "A necessary and sufficient condition for rationalizability in a quasi-linear context," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(2), pages 191-200, April.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D42 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Monopoly
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • M37 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Advertising

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