Title

The influence of seller strategy on the winning price in online auctions: A moderated mediation model

Authors

Authors

K. E. Reynolds; J. H. Gilkeson;R. W. Niedrich

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of seller strategy on winning prices in online auctions. In our conceptual model, three strategic choices made by the seller - minimum opening price, auction length, and use of a hidden reserve price - are mediated by the number of bids placed during the auction and moderated by product type. Our tests analyze eBay auction data for four consumer products through two matched studies (two products per study). In particular, we compare products for which value is easily determined with those for which value is less clear. Overall, we find strong evidence of the effects of minimum opening price and hidden reserve prices on final winning prices. The impact of auction length on winning price is less clear. In general, our tests support the idea that potential buyers rely more on signals such as opening price and reserve price for products for which reference prices are less available. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Journal of Business Research

Volume

62

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Document Type

Article

First Page

22

Last Page

30

WOS Identifier

WOS:000261897400004

ISSN

0148-2963

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