Partitioning cash flows to overcome retailer aversion to stocking new products

Abstract

AbstractBecause decision makers tend to dislike ambiguity, the uncertainty surrounding new products can act as a barrier to retailer acceptance. We propose that by changing the structure of cash flows in the contract offered to a retailer (keeping net payments constant), a manufacturer can shift a retailer from making ambiguity‐averse to ambiguity‐neutral choices, thereby increasing the retailer's willingness to stock new products. In a series of studies, we demonstrate that contracts structured to provide positive cash flows after ambiguity has been resolved can increase the retailer's willingness to choose products with an unknown demand distribution. Thus, contracts with positive postdemand payments to the retailer have the potential to increase acceptance of new products.