Factors Affecting Price Setting in Online Auctions
Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management (2012) 11, 289-302
University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2013-1114
32 Pages Posted: 26 Feb 2012 Last revised: 25 Jul 2013
Date Written: June 1, 2011
Abstract
This paper provides research into the effects of product class and seller reputation on price-setting in online auctions. Sellers may offer price information to potential bidders through buy-now prices (BNPs) and starting prices (SPs). In two experiments, the authors show that for products with values that are difficult to assess, such price information affects bidders’ perception and willingness to pay (WTP), and as such are subject to the moderating effects of product class and seller reputation. In addition, the authors model sellers’ decision-making in setting the SP and BNP as a two-stage process, using data collected from eBay auctions. In the first stage, sellers decide whether to set a BNP. In stage two, they decide on the level of the SP. Results show that sellers are more likely to set a BNP when they are more reputable and when the product is a high-end one. The proposed model provides guidelines for marketing and auction practitioners in setting prices.
Keywords: Online auctions, pricing, buy-now price, starting price
JEL Classification: C91, C99, D44, M31, M39
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation