Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of adding a direct online channel on a firm and its intermediaries. We develop a set of testable hypotheses and then empirically test them on a longitudinal transaction dataset from the hospitality industry. Our results show that the introduction of a direct online channel significantly reduces the price premium charged by intermediaries, and the impact varies across consumer segments and product markets. More interestingly, we find that, after the adoption of a direct online channel: (1) the intermediaries are not necessarily worse off; (2) price dispersion increases for products sold through both intermediaries and direct channels; and (3) the price dispersion increase is higher for products sold by intermediaries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
