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Intermediation and Steering: Competition in Prices and Commissions†

Intermediation and Steering: Competition in Prices and Commissions† AbstractWe explore the implications of steering by an informed profit-maximizing intermediary. The intermediary steers consumers by recommending firms, taking into account both the commissions firms offer and the prices they set. Such steering results in higher commissions and consumer prices, so that consumers only benefit from intermediation when their search cost is sufficiently high. Steering reverses the normal relationship between competition and price, with prices increasing in the number of competing firms. We use the framework to study various policies including commission caps (absolute or relative), commission disclosure, promoting information provision, and penalties for inappropriate advice. (JEL D11, D12, D82, D83) http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png American Economic Journal: Microeconomics American Economic Association

Intermediation and Steering: Competition in Prices and Commissions†

Intermediation and Steering: Competition in Prices and Commissions†

American Economic Journal: Microeconomics , Volume 14 (2) – May 1, 2022

Abstract

AbstractWe explore the implications of steering by an informed profit-maximizing intermediary. The intermediary steers consumers by recommending firms, taking into account both the commissions firms offer and the prices they set. Such steering results in higher commissions and consumer prices, so that consumers only benefit from intermediation when their search cost is sufficiently high. Steering reverses the normal relationship between competition and price, with prices increasing in the number of competing firms. We use the framework to study various policies including commission caps (absolute or relative), commission disclosure, promoting information provision, and penalties for inappropriate advice. (JEL D11, D12, D82, D83)

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Publisher
American Economic Association
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 © American Economic Association
ISSN
1945-7685
DOI
10.1257/mic.20190344
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

AbstractWe explore the implications of steering by an informed profit-maximizing intermediary. The intermediary steers consumers by recommending firms, taking into account both the commissions firms offer and the prices they set. Such steering results in higher commissions and consumer prices, so that consumers only benefit from intermediation when their search cost is sufficiently high. Steering reverses the normal relationship between competition and price, with prices increasing in the number of competing firms. We use the framework to study various policies including commission caps (absolute or relative), commission disclosure, promoting information provision, and penalties for inappropriate advice. (JEL D11, D12, D82, D83)

Journal

American Economic Journal: MicroeconomicsAmerican Economic Association

Published: May 1, 2022

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