Chapter 3: Problem 37

Explain why the following statement is false: "In the goods market, no buyer would be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price."

Short Answer

Expert verified

The statement "In the goods market, no buyer would be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price" is false because various factors, such as personal preferences, availability of substitutes, urgency, and asymmetric information, can lead buyers to be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price in specific situations. The equilibrium price is just one part of the complex process of determining the price at which transactions take place in the market.

Step by step solution

In a competitive market, the equilibrium price is the price at which the quantity demanded by buyers equals the quantity supplied by sellers. It is the price at which the market clears, meaning there are no excess goods on the market and no unmet demand from buyers. At equilibrium, the market is stable and there is no incentive for the price to change. #Step 2: Considering Factors that May Influence Willingness to Pay Higher Prices#

In reality, various factors can influence a buyer's willingness to pay for a good, including personal preferences, income, availability of substitutes, and urgency. These factors can lead buyers to be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price in certain situations. #Step 3: Examples of Buyers Willing to Pay More Than the Equilibrium Price#

Let's consider a few examples to illustrate why a buyer might be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price: 1. Limited availability: If a good is in scarce supply or is available in limited quantities, buyers may be willing to pay more to obtain it. For example, when tickets for a popular concert are in high demand and limited supply, fans may pay much higher prices than the original selling price in order to secure a ticket. 2. Personal preferences: If a buyer has a strong preference for a specific brand or product, they may be willing to pay a premium for it even if alternatives are available at a lower price. For example, some people may be willing to pay more for a particular brand of coffee, even if other brands are available at lower prices. 3. Urgency: If a buyer has an immediate need for a good, they may be willing to pay more to avoid waiting for the price to drop or a new supply to become available. For example, someone who has just experienced a car breakdown might be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price for a quick fix, even if they know they could get it for cheaper somewhere else. 4. Asymmetry of information: Buyers might not know the exact equilibrium price and hence be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price out of unawareness, or they might want to avoid the cost and effort involved in searching for a better price. #Step 4: Conclusion#

The statement "In the goods market, no buyer would be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price" is false because various factors, such as personal preferences, availability of substitutes, urgency, and asymmetric information can lead buyers to be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price in specific situations. The equilibrium price is just one part of the complex process of determining the price at which transactions take place in the market.

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Explain why the following statement is false: "In the goods market, no buyer would be willing to pay more than the equilibrium price."

Short Answer

Step by step solution

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