Optimal Nonlinear Pricing by a Dominant Firm under Competition

B-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
Year: 2022
Volume: 14
Issue: 2
Pages: 240-80

Authors (3)

Yong Chao (not in RePEc) Guofu Tan (University of Southern Califor...) Adam Chi Leung Wong (not in RePEc)

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 a nonlinear pricing problem faced by a dominant firm competing with a minor firm. The dominant firm offers a general tariff first, and then the minor firm responds with a per-unit price, followed by a buyer choosing her purchases. By developing a mechanism-design approach to solve the subgame perfect equilibrium, we characterize the dominant firm's optimal nonlinear tariff, which exhibits convexity and yet can display quantity discounts. In equilibrium the dominant firm uses a continuum of unchosen offers to constrain its rival's potential deviations and extract more surplus from the buyer. Antitrust implications are also discussed.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmic:v:14:y:2022:i:2:p:240-80
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25