Abstract

In this article, we examine resale price maintenance (RPM) in a classic model of downstream retailers engaging in spatial price discrimination. We show that a resale price floor increases the total profit of the upstream monopoly when transport cost (product differentiation) is relatively low. Importantly, this profitable RPM floor can also enhance social welfare and even consumer surplus. A resale price ceiling can also be profitable and always improves consumer surplus and social welfare. We argue that such findings support a rule of reason approach to RPM.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.