Buyer-Optimal Extensionproof Information
64 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2017 Last revised: 17 Sep 2019
Date Written: September 16, 2019
Abstract
We study buyer-optimal information structures under monopoly pricing. The information structure determines how well the buyer learns his valuation and affects, via the induced distribution of posterior valuations, the price charged by the seller. Motivated by the regulation of product information, we assume that the seller can disclose more if the learning is imperfect. Extension proof information structures prevent such disclosure, which is a constraint in the design problem. Our main result identifies a two-parameter class of information structures that implements every implementable buyer payoff. An upper bound on the buyer payoff where the social surplus is maximized and the seller obtains just her perfect-information payoff is attainable with some, but not all priors. When this bound is not attainable, optimal information structures can result in a higher payoff for the seller and in an inefficient allocation.
Keywords: information design, monopoly, regulation
JEL Classification: D42, D82, D83, L51
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation