中文摘要
本文利用消费者搜索过程的数据,发展了对无序备选项进行重复序贯搜索的实证分析技术。我运用这些技术评估消费者为何在电子商务中很少进行搜索,并常常为一件商品支付显著高于最低可得价格的价格。搜索成本可以解释这些事实,搜索前的卖家差异化同样可以:搜索成本较低的消费者可能不会光顾那些根据搜索前已知信息自己并不喜欢的商店。我发现,卖家差异化是造成有限考虑与市场势力的主要原因。(JEL D11, D21, D43, D83, L81)
Abstract
This article develops techniques for the empirical analysis of repeated sequential search over unordered alternatives using data on consumer search processes. I use these techniques to assess why consumers conduct little search in e-commerce and often pay significantly above the minimum available price for a product. Search costs could explain these facts, as could pre-search seller differentiation: Consumers with low search costs may not visit stores they dislike based on information known before search. I find that seller differentiation is primarily responsible for limited consideration and market power. (JEL D11, D21, D43, D83, L81)