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Technical and Methodological Challenges of Collecting Price Data from Online Retailers
[Технические И Методологические Проблемы Сбора Данных О Ценах Онлайн-Ритейлеров]

Author

Listed:
  • Alexey S. Evseev

    (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration)

  • Rodion R. Latypov

    (JSC Arowana Capital)

  • Egor A. Postolit

    (JSC Arowana Capital)

  • Elena S. Sinelnikova-Muryleva

    (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration)

Abstract

Price data from online retailers is a valuable source for economics. The use of these data makes it possible to refine inflation forecasts and anticipate future trends in the moment, refine estimates of price rigidity and the conclusions of theoretical pricing models, and test the law of one price. However, there are major difficulties in the data collection process that are not obvious and can threaten both the quality of the data collected and the sustainability of the collection process over time. The article, for the first time in the literature, discusses in detail the technical and methodological problems that impede the continuous collection of data on the network and presents our experience in solving these problems. The pros and cons of solutions to emerging problems are discussed. The article was written on the basis of the RANEPA state assignment research programme for 2022.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexey S. Evseev & Rodion R. Latypov & Egor A. Postolit & Elena S. Sinelnikova-Muryleva, 2022. "Technical and Methodological Challenges of Collecting Price Data from Online Retailers [Технические И Методологические Проблемы Сбора Данных О Ценах Онлайн-Ритейлеров]," Russian Economic Development, Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, issue 11, pages 36-45, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gai:recdev:r2295
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alberto Cavallo, 2017. "Are Online and Offline Prices Similar? Evidence from Large Multi-channel Retailers," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(1), pages 283-303, January.
    2. Alberto Cavallo, 2018. "Scraped Data and Sticky Prices," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 100(1), pages 105-119, March.
    3. Cavallo, Alberto, 2013. "Online and official price indexes: Measuring Argentina's inflation," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 60(2), pages 152-165.
    4. Alberto Cavallo & Roberto Rigobon, 2016. "The Billion Prices Project: Using Online Prices for Measurement and Research," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 30(2), pages 151-178, Spring.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    prices of online retailers; web-scrapping; inflation; alternative data; big data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C82 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data; Data Access
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis

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