Intertemporal Price Discrimination in Storable Goods Markets

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2013
Volume: 103
Issue: 7
Pages: 2722-51

Authors (2)

Igal Hendel (not in RePEc) Aviv Nevo (Northwestern University)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

We study intertemporal price discrimination when consumers can store for future consumption needs. We offer a simple model of demand dynamics, which we estimate using market-level data. Optimal pricing involves temporary price reductions that enable sellers to discriminate between price sensitive consumers, who stockpile for future consumption, and less price-sensitive consumers, who do not stockpile. We empirically quantify the impact of intertemporal price discrimination on profits and welfare. We find that sales (i ) capture 25-30 percent of the gap between non-discriminatory profits and (unattainable) third-degree price discrimination profits, (ii ) increase total welfare, and (iii) have a modest impact on consumer welfare.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:103:y:2013:i:7:p:2722-51
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26