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Competitive search markets for durable goods

Author

Listed:
  • Holger M. Müller

    (Department of Economics, University of Mannheim, A5, 68131 Mannheim, GERMANY)

  • Roman Inderst

    (Department of Economics, University College London, Gower Steet, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

Abstract

This paper considers a dynamic version of Akerlof's (1970) lemons problem where buyers and sellers must engage in search to find a trading partner. We show that if goods are durable, the market itself may provide a natural sorting mechanism. In equilibrium, high-quality goods sell at a higher price than low-quality goods but also circulate longer. This accords with the common wisdom that sellers who want to sell fast may have to accept a lower price. We then compare the equilibrium outcomes under private information with those under complete information. Surprisingly, we find that for a large range of parameter values the quilibrium outcomes under the two information regimes coincide, despite the fact that circulation time is used to achieve separation.

Suggested Citation

  • Holger M. Müller & Roman Inderst, 2002. "Competitive search markets for durable goods," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 19(3), pages 599-622.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:19:y:2002:i:3:p:599-622
    Note: Received: August 24, 2000; revised version: October 24, 2000
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Igal Hendel & Alessandro Lizzeri & Marciano Siniscalchi, 2005. "Efficient Sorting in a Dynamic Adverse-Selection Model," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 72(2), pages 467-497.
    2. Inderst, Roman & Wambach, Achim, 2001. "Competitive insurance markets under adverse selection and capacity constraints," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 45(10), pages 1981-1992, December.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Lemons problem; Durable goods; Search markets.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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