Question
3. Warranties as a signal of quality Consumers wish to buy a product and get a utility 10 if the product is of high quality
3. Warranties as a signal of quality
Consumers wish to buy a product and get a utility 10 if the product is of high quality and is working, and a utility of 4 if the product is of low quality and is working. If a product does not work, then the utility from having it is 0 irrespective of its quality. Ex-ante, only the firm knows the quality of its product (but cannot choose it). Consumers expect that the product is of high/low quality with equal probabilities. The likelihood that a high quality will not work is 1/5 and the likelihood that a low quality product will not work is 4/5. The cost for the firm of replacing a product that does not work is c (this cost is independent of the product's quality)
- Suppose the firm does not offer a warranty. What is the price that consumers will pay for the product?
- Suppose that the firm does offer a warranty. What are the conditions on c such that offering a warranty can serve as a signal of high quality?
- What happens if the conditions you found in (b) are violated?
- Compare the profits of firms in (b) and in (c). Comment on your findings.
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started