Download This PaperConsumer Demand for Fair Trade: New Evidence from a Field Experiment Using eBay Auctions of Fresh Roasted Coffee
48 Pages Posted: 17 Apr 2011
Date Written: March 16, 2011
Abstract
A majority of surveyed consumers say they prefer ethically certified products, such as Fair Trade coffee, over non-certified alternatives, and are willing to pay a price premium for such products. There is no clear evidence, however, that people seek out such products and pay a premium for them when shopping. We provide new evidence on consumer behavior from an experiment conducted on eBay. We find that the Fair Trade label has a substantial positive effect on bidding for coffee. On average, shoppers paid a 23% premium for coffee labeled Fair Trade. This premium was not affected by the recent recession.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Hiscox, Michael J. and Broukhim, Michael and Litwin, Claire, Consumer Demand for Fair Trade: New Evidence from a Field Experiment Using eBay Auctions of Fresh Roasted Coffee (March 16, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1811783 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1811783
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