American Economic Journal:
Microeconomics
ISSN 1945-7669 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7685 (Online)
Vertical Agreements and User Access
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
vol. 13,
no. 3, August 2021
(pp. 328–71)
Abstract
Platforms acting as sales channels for producers often charge users for access via a subscription fee or a markup on hardware. We compare two common forms of vertical pricing agreement that platforms use with sellers: per unit and proportional fees. In particular, we analyze the critical role that user access plays on prices, profits, and welfare under both forms of agreement. We characterize this role and show how it potentially overturns standard results saying that proportional fees lead to lower prices and higher profits.Citation
Gaudin, Germain, and Alexander White. 2021. "Vertical Agreements and User Access." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, 13 (3): 328–71. DOI: 10.1257/mic.20180339Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D21 Firm Behavior: Theory
- D43 Market Structure, Pricing, and Design: Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
- K21 Antitrust Law
- L22 Firm Organization and Market Structure
- L42 Vertical Restraints; Resale Price Maintenance; Quantity Discounts
- L86 Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
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