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Challenges for Empirical Research on RPM

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander MacKay

    (John F. Kennedy School of Government)

  • David A. Smith

    (Analysis Group, Inc.)

Abstract

This article discusses the empirical challenges that researchers face when demonstrating the existence and effects of resale price maintenance (RPM). We outline three approaches for finding price effects of RPM and the corresponding hurdles in data and methodology. We show that the quantity test that was suggested by Posner (Univ Chic Law Rev 45(1):1–20, 1977; Univ Chic Law Rev 48:6–26, 1981) does not identify the change to welfare when demand-enhancing effects are considered generally. Finally, we present some solutions to the challenge of identifying welfare effects, and we suggest guidelines for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander MacKay & David A. Smith, 2017. "Challenges for Empirical Research on RPM," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 50(2), pages 209-220, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:revind:v:50:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s11151-016-9562-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11151-016-9562-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maximilian Maurice Gail & Phil-Adrian Klotz, 2021. "The Impact of the Agency Model on E-book Prices: Evidence from the UK," MAGKS Papers on Economics 202111, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    2. Rhys J Williams, 2024. "Empirical Effects of Resale Price Maintenance: Evidence from Fixed Book Price Policies in Europe," Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 20(1-2), pages 108-136.
    3. Kawaguchi, Kohei & Qiu, Jeff & Zhang, Yi, 2022. "Competitive Effects of Resale Price Maintenance Through Inventory: Evidence from Publishing Industry," SocArXiv wma6p, Center for Open Science.
    4. Dertwinkel-Kalt, Markus & Wey, Christian, 2021. "Multi-Product Pricing and Minimum Resale Price Maintenance," VfS Annual Conference 2021 (Virtual Conference): Climate Economics 242338, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    5. Markus Dertwinkel‐Kalt & Mats Köster, 2022. "Attention to online sales: The role of brand image concerns," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 64-89, February.

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