Consequences Of Price Discrimination
Economics notes
Consequences Of Price Discrimination
➡️ Differentiated pricing: Price discrimination requires that firms be able to differentiate between different types of customers and charge different prices to each.
➡️ Monopoly power: Price discrimination requires that firms have some degree of market power, as it allows them to charge different prices to different customers.
➡️ Inelastic demand: Price discrimination requires that customers have inelastic demand, meaning that they are willing to pay a higher price for the same product.
What is price discrimination and what are its consequences in economics?
Price discrimination refers to the practice of charging different prices for the same product or service to different customers. The consequences of price discrimination can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, it can increase revenue for businesses and allow them to better target different customer segments. On the negative side, it can lead to unfair treatment of certain customers and reduce overall consumer welfare.
How does price discrimination affect market competition?
Price discrimination can affect market competition in several ways. It can create barriers to entry for new competitors, as established firms may have an advantage in being able to offer lower prices to certain customers. It can also lead to market segmentation, where different firms specialize in serving different customer segments. This can reduce overall competition and lead to higher prices for certain customers.
What are some examples of price discrimination in practice?
Examples of price discrimination include student discounts, senior citizen discounts, and loyalty programs that offer discounts to repeat customers. Airlines often charge different prices for the same seat depending on when it is purchased and how flexible the ticket is. Online retailers may use dynamic pricing algorithms to charge different prices to different customers based on their browsing and purchasing history.