The Economics of Contingent Re-auctions

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2011
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Pages: 165-93

Authors (3)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

We consider an auction environment where an object can be sold with usage restrictions that generate benefits to the seller but decrease buyers' valuations. In this environment, sellers such as the FCC have used "contingent re-auctions," offering the restricted object with a reserve price, but re-auctioning it without restrictions if the reserve is not met. We show that contingent re-auctions are generally neither efficient nor optimal for the seller. We propose an alternative "exclusive-buyer mechanism" that can implement the efficient outcome in dominant strategies. In certain environments, parameters can be chosen so the seller's surplus is maximized across all selling procedures. (JEL D44, D82, H82)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:3:y:2011:i:2:p:165-93
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25