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Reserve prices in auctions as reference points

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  • Rosenkranz, Stephanie
  • Schmitz, Patrick W.

Abstract

We consider second-price and first-price auctions in the symmetric independent private values framework. We modify the standard model by the assumption that the bidders have reference-based utility, where a publicly announced reserve price has some influence on the reference point. It turns out that the seller’s optimal reserve price is increasing in the number of bidders. Also in contrast to the standard model, we find that secret reserve prices can outperform public reserve prices, and that setting the optimal reserve price can be more valuable for the seller than attracting additional bidders.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosenkranz, Stephanie & Schmitz, Patrick W., 2005. "Reserve prices in auctions as reference points," Bonn Econ Discussion Papers 24/2005, University of Bonn, Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:bonedp:242005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Auction theory; reference-dependent utility; reserve prices;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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