Transparency and prices with imperfect substitutes

Authors
Publication date 2006
Journal Economics Letters
Volume | Issue number 93 | 3
Pages (from-to) 398-404
Number of pages 7
Organisations
  • Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) - Amsterdam School of Economics Research Institute (ASE-RI)
Abstract We show that an increase in consumer transparency may increase prices if goods are imperfect substitutes. If the consumers have more information about the goods that are available and about corresponding prices they will increase their demand. The effect of this on prices may override the competition enhancing effect of transparency.

Keywords: Transparency; Demand effect; Competition effect

JEL classification codes: D40; L10

Document type Article
Published at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2006.06.003
Permalink to this page
Back