Durable goods and conformity

A-Tier
Journal: RAND Journal of Economics
Year: 2008
Volume: 39
Issue: 2
Pages: 452-468

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

A consumer's demand for a durable good is governed not only by his individual preferences but also by preferences of other market participants. This interdependence of preferences arises from the inevitable resale of durable goods. If most people prefer goods with certain features, original buyers conform and choose goods with these features even if they do not like them. Using a matching model, we show there is always conformity in equilibrium. The incentive to conform is strongest for long‐lived durables and for people who trade frequently. If average preferences are sufficiently strong, there is always too little conformity in equilibrium.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:randje:v:39:y:2008:i:2:p:452-468
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26