INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN DECENTRALIZED MARKETS

B-Tier
Journal: International Economic Review
Year: 2024
Volume: 65
Issue: 1
Pages: 431-470

Authors (4)

Fei Li (not in RePEc) Charles Murry (University of Michigan) Can Tian (not in RePEc) Yiyi Zhou (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

We present a directed search model of intermediaries' dynamic inventory and revenue management. Search frictions hinder instantaneous replenishment, prompting intermediaries to utilize dynamic inventory‐based pricing and ordering strategies. In equilibrium, when inventory is high, an intermediary posts a lower retail price to speed up sales and depresses wholesale price to slow down purchases. We characterize the evolution dynamics of inventory holdings and their steady‐state distribution, and extend the model to multiunit wholesale orders, product differentiation, and heterogeneous intermediaries. Using data from used‐car dealers, we quantitatively evaluate the welfare consequence of used‐car dealers' inventory management practice.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:iecrev:v:65:y:2024:i:1:p:431-470
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-26