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Tying under Double-Marginalization

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Listed:
  • Inderst, Roman
  • Griem, Fabian
  • Schaffer, Greg

Abstract

In a model of contractual inefficiencies due to double-marginalization, we analyze the practice of tied rebates that incentivizes retailers to purchase multiple products from the same manufacturer. We isolate two opposing effects: a surplus-sharing effect that enhances efficiency and a rent-extraction effect that reduces efficiency. The overall effect is more likely to be negative when the manufacturer has a particularly strong brand for which the retailers alternatives are much inferior. Foreclosure of a more efficient provider of the manufacturers weaker product is not a sufficient condition for a welfare loss. Our key positive implication relates to the seemingly inefficient introduction of weaker products by the owners of particularly strong brands.

Suggested Citation

  • Inderst, Roman & Griem, Fabian & Schaffer, Greg, 2022. "Tying under Double-Marginalization," CEPR Discussion Papers 17314, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:17314
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Contractual inefficiencies; Double-marginalization; Competition; Surplus-sharing effect; Rent-extraction effect; Efficiency; Brand strength;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection

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