Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
7-22-2022
CFDP Number
2338
Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Code(s)
D44, D47, D83, D84
Abstract
We consider a general nonlinear pricing environment with private information. We characterize the information structure that maximizes the seller's profits. The seller who cannot observe the buyer's willingness to pay can control both the signal that a buyer receives about his value and the selling mechanism. The optimal screening mechanism has finitely many items even with a continuum of types. We identify sufficient conditions under which the optimal mechanism has a single item. Thus, the socially efficient variety of items is decreased drastically at the expense of higher revenue and lower information rents.
Recommended Citation
Bergemann, Dirk; Heumann, Tibor; and Morris, Stephen, "Screening with Persuasion" (2022). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 2701.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/2701