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Pricing and market segmentation using opaque selling mechanisms

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  • Anderson, Chris K.
  • Xie, Xiaoqing

Abstract

In opaque selling certain characteristics of the product or service are hidden from the consumer until after purchase, transforming a differentiated good into somewhat of a commodity. Opaque selling has become popular in service pricing as it allows firms to sell their differentiated products at higher prices to regular brand loyal customers while simultaneously selling to non-loyal customers at discounted prices. We develop a stylized model of consumer choice that illustrates the role of opaque selling in market segmentation. We model a firm selling a product via three selling channels: a regular full information channel, an opaque posted price channel and an opaque bidding channel where consumers specify the price they are willing to pay. We illustrate the segmentation created by opaque selling as well as compare optimal revenues and prices for sellers using regular full information channels with those using opaque selling mechanisms in conjunction with regular channels. We also study the segmentation and policy changes induced by capacity constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Anderson, Chris K. & Xie, Xiaoqing, 2014. "Pricing and market segmentation using opaque selling mechanisms," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 233(1), pages 263-272.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:233:y:2014:i:1:p:263-272
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2013.08.018
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    4. Nosoohi, Iman, 2022. "Posted price and name-your-own-price in a product line design problem," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    5. Mao, Zhaofang & Liu, Wei & Feng, Bo, 2019. "Opaque distribution channels for service providers with asymmetric capacities: Posted-price mechanisms," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 112-120.
    6. Zhang, Juliang & Deng, Lan & Liu, Huimin & Cheng, T.C.E., 2022. "Which strategy is better for managing multi-product demand uncertainty: Inventory substitution or probabilistic selling?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 302(1), pages 79-95.
    7. Hou, Lihua & Nie, Tengfei & Zhang, Jianghua, 2024. "Pricing and inventory strategies for perishable products in a competitive market considering strategic consumers," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    8. Feng, Bo & Mao, Zhaofang & Li, Hui, 2021. "Choices for competing service providers with heterogeneous customers: Traditional versus opaque sales modes," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    9. Qing Li & Christopher S. Tang & He Xu, 2020. "Mitigating the Double‐Blind Effect in Opaque Selling: Inventory and Information," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 29(1), pages 35-54, January.
    10. Zhang, Yi & Hua, Guowei & Cheng, T.C.E. & Zhang, Juliang & Fernandez, Vicenc, 2020. "Risk pooling through physical probabilistic selling," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 295-311.
    11. Raza, Syed Asif & Turiac, Mihaela, 2016. "Joint optimal determination of process mean, production quantity, pricing, and market segmentation with demand leakage," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(1), pages 312-326.
    12. Berbeglia, Franco & Berbeglia, Gerardo & Van Hentenryck, Pascal, 2021. "Market segmentation in online platforms," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 295(3), pages 1025-1041.
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    14. Guo, Xiaolong & Bian, Junsong & Wu, Peiyan & Shi, Victor & Chen, Huangen, 2023. "Probabilistic product design with regret-anticipated consumers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).

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