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Optimal mechanisms with simple menus

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  • Tang, Pingzhong
  • Wang, Zihe

Abstract

We consider revenue-optimal mechanism design for the case with one buyer and two items, when the buyer’s valuations are independent and additive. We obtain two sets of structural results of the optimal mechanisms, which can be summarized in one conclusion: under certain distributional conditions, the optimal mechanisms have simple menus.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Pingzhong & Wang, Zihe, 2017. "Optimal mechanisms with simple menus," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 54-70.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:mateco:v:69:y:2017:i:c:p:54-70
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmateco.2017.01.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Chen, Xi & Diakonikolas, Ilias & Paparas, Dimitris & Sun, Xiaorui & Yannakakis, Mihalis, 2018. "The complexity of optimal multidimensional pricing for a unit-demand buyer," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 139-164.
    3. Hart, Sergiu & Nisan, Noam, 2019. "Selling multiple correlated goods: Revenue maximization and menu-size complexity," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 991-1029.
    4. Hart, Sergiu & Nisan, Noam, 2017. "Approximate revenue maximization with multiple items," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 313-347.
    5. Zhang, Xinhua & Hueng, C. James & Lemke, Robert J., 2023. "A self-selection pricing mechanism for residential electricity: Measures of sustainability and equity to balance market mechanisms and government controls," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 45(6), pages 1167-1183.

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