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Why are open ascending auctions popular? The role of information aggregation and behavioral biases

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  • Theo Offerman

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Giorgia Romagnoli

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Andreas Ziegler

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

The popularity of open ascending auctions is often attributed to the fact that openly observable bidding allows to aggregate dispersed information. Another reason behind the frequent utilization of open auction formats may be that they activate revenue enhancing biases. In an experiment, we compare three auctions that differ in how much information is revealed and in the potential activation of behavioral biases: (i) the ascending Vickrey auction, a closed format; and two open formats, (ii) the Japanese-English auction and (iii) the Oral Outcry auction. Even though bidders react to information conveyed in others’ bids, information aggregation fails in both open formats. In contrast, the Oral Outcry raises higher revenue than the other two formats, by stimulating bidders to submit unprofitable jump bids and triggering a quasi-endowment effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Theo Offerman & Giorgia Romagnoli & Andreas Ziegler, 2020. "Why are open ascending auctions popular? The role of information aggregation and behavioral biases," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 20-071/I, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20200071
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ascending auctions; information aggregation; jump bidding; auction fever;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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