Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Economics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

2004

Experience goods

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Economics

Monopoly Pricing Of Experience Goods, Dirk Bergemann, Juuso Välimäki Jun 2004

Monopoly Pricing Of Experience Goods, Dirk Bergemann, Juuso Välimäki

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We develop a dynamic model of experience goods pricing with independent private valuations. We show that the optimal paths of sales and prices can be described in terms of a simple dichotomy. In a mass market, prices are declining over time. In a niche market, the optimal prices are initially low followed by higher prices that extract surplus from the buyers with a high willingness to pay. We consider extensions of the model to integrate elements of social rather than private learning and turnover among buyers.


Monopoly Pricing Of Experience Goods, Dirk Bergemann, Juuso Välimäki Jun 2004

Monopoly Pricing Of Experience Goods, Dirk Bergemann, Juuso Välimäki

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We develop a dynamic model of experience goods pricing with independent private valuations. We show that the optimal paths of sales and prices can be described in terms of a simple dichotomy. In a mass market, prices are declining over time. In a niche market, the optimal prices are initially low followed by higher prices that extract surplus from the buyers with a high willingness to pay. We consider extensions of the model to integrate elements of social rather than private learning and turnover among buyers.