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The Bargaining Trap

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  • Schweighofer-Kodritsch, Sebastian

    (HU Berlin)

Abstract

I revisit the Rubinstein (1982) model for the classic problem of price haggling and show that bargaining can become a “trap,” where equilibrium leaves one party strictly worse off than if no transaction took place (e.g., the equilibrium price exceeds a buyer’s valuation). This arises when one party is impatient about capturing zero surplus (e.g., Rubinstein’s example of fixed bargaining costs). Augmenting the protocol with unilateral exit options for responding bargainers generally removes the trap.

Suggested Citation

  • Schweighofer-Kodritsch, Sebastian, 2021. "The Bargaining Trap," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 308, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    • Handle: RePEc:rco:dpaper:308
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rubinstein, Ariel, 1982. "Perfect Equilibrium in a Bargaining Model," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(1), pages 97-109, January.
    2. Robert Shimer & Lones Smith, 2000. "Assortative Matching and Search," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 68(2), pages 343-370, March.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    alternating offers; bargaining; time preferences; haggling costs; outside options;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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