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Estimating computer depreciation using online auction data

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  • Christos Antonopoulos
  • Plutarchos Sakellaris

Abstract

Personal computer prices decline rapidly with age. The price of a four-year-old used computer is almost one tenth of the price of a new one. This paper provides new evidence on why prices of personal computers decline so rapidly as they age, using online auction data from eBay. An innovative feature of the dataset is that it contains actual transaction prices for both desktops and notebooks, as well as exact age in days. By using a sample of used Dell computers, we examine the causes of this rapid decline. We find that age is not important due to minimal physical deterioration. Prices decline because used computers have inferior technical characteristics compared to new ones. In addition, a computer loses about 20-25 percentage points of its value the instant that it is sold. Finally, some auction characteristics are significant.

Suggested Citation

  • Christos Antonopoulos & Plutarchos Sakellaris, 2011. "Estimating computer depreciation using online auction data," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 183-204.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ecinnt:v:20:y:2011:i:2:p:183-204
    DOI: 10.1080/10438590903385095
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Lucking‐Reiley & Doug Bryan & Naghi Prasad & Daniel Reeves, 2007. "Pennies From Ebay: The Determinants Of Price In Online Auctions," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(2), pages 223-233, June.
    2. Michael J. Geske & Valerie A. Ramey & Matthew D. Shapiro, 2007. "Why Do Computers Depreciate?," NBER Chapters, in: Hard-to-Measure Goods and Services: Essays in Honor of Zvi Griliches, pages 121-150, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gretz, Richard T. & Basuroy, Suman, 2013. "Why Quality May Not Always Win: The Impact of Product Generation Life Cycles on Quality and Network Effects in High-tech Markets," Journal of Retailing, Elsevier, vol. 89(3), pages 281-300.

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