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Uninformed buyers and market efficiency

Author

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  • Maier, Carl G.
  • Marencak, Michal

Abstract

Empirical evidence shows that low cost of signaling interest in offers can result in a significant number of inappropriate signals. This paper provides a theoretical explanation for this observation as an equilibrium outcome of a model with utility maximizing fully rational agents that decide to signal their interest without knowing whether the offer suits them or not. We show that falling transaction costs can decrease market efficiency and social welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Maier, Carl G. & Marencak, Michal, 2017. "Uninformed buyers and market efficiency," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168207, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc17:168207
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity

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