Eco 550

# 16

In this case Qd = Qs

50 – P = -7 + 2P

* 3P = -57

P = 19

Qd = 50 – P

= 50 – 19

= 31

Qs = -7 +2P

= -7 + 2*19

=31

If we add $18 to the transaction cost, this would shift the demand curve down, or subtract this $18 from the intercept of $50 (because consumer would be willing to pay $18 less for the good in order to account for this new cost).

So the new equation

n for the demand curve is:

Qd = 50 – 18 – P = 32 – P

When we set this new quantity demanded function equal to the quantity supplied function we get:

32 – P = - 7 + 2p,

3P = 39 => P = 13

his is a long difficult economics question about transportation costs.  This first part will go over the math for calculating the equilibrium, and future posts will discuss the implications of the other parts.

Assume that, when sellers have no transaction cost, buyers will pay the market price plus $18 in travel cost. If transaction cost were zero, demand would be D1 which intersect the SS curve at $19 and 31 units. With transaction cost of $18 per unit, the net demand facing sellers is D2, which is $18 below D1. The market clears at $19 units and sellers receive $13 for each unit. Now also assume that, an outsider tells buyers that for $8 per unit she will go to the market for them and eliminate their former $18 transaction costs. Sellers now perceive demand curve D3, $8 below D1 and $10 above D2. Sellers get $16.33 for each of the 25.67 units transacted. Both sides of the market benefit from lower transaction cost.

Now the problem:

Demand with zero transaction costs is Q1d = 50 - P and Supply is Qs = -7 + 2P.

a) Verify all of the prices and quantities calculated in the above assumption/discussion.

b) Now assume that intermediaries come from a competitive market with an equilibrium price of $8 per unit for their services, that is any buyer or seller who wants an intermediary's services must pay $8 for them What is the maximum per unit that sellers are willing to...