Selective bargain hunting: A concise test of rational consumer search

C-Tier
Journal: Economic Inquiry
Year: 2021
Volume: 59
Issue: 3
Pages: 1089-1105

Authors (4)

Chloe Lee (not in RePEc) Wen Long (not in RePEc) María J. Luengo‐Prado (not in RePEc) Bent E. Sørensen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.251 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

A model of time‐allocation among work, leisure, and price‐search predicts that rational consumers pay relatively low prices for their preferred goods. Using scanner data, we confirm empirically the implication that consumers find better prices for items (defined by scanner codes, such as a 12‐pack of Pepsi) within categories (such as carbonated drinks) of which they consume relatively more. This provides direct evidence that consumers face constraints on time and/or attention, and that they rationally allocate these scarce resources to optimize welfare.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:ecinqu:v:59:y:2021:i:3:p:1089-1105
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25