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Nonlinear prices, homogeneous goods, search

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  • Atayev, Atabek

Abstract

We analyze competition on nonlinear prices in homogeneous goods markets with consumer search. In equilibrium firms offer two-part tariffs consisting of a linear price and lump-sum fee. The equilibrium production is socially efficient as the linear price of equilibrium two-part tariffs equals to the production marginal cost. Firms thus compete in lump-sum fees, which are dispersed in equilibrium. We show that sellers enjoy higher profit, whereas consumers are worse-off with two-part tariffs than with linear prices. The competition softens because with two-part tariffs firms can make effective per-consumer demand less elastic than the actual demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Atayev, Atabek, 2021. "Nonlinear prices, homogeneous goods, search," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-092, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:21092
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nonlinear prices; consumer search; homogeneous goods;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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